Page 74 - Bulletin 7 2003

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hygiene and health would benefit. Electricity was a vital commodity with
endless applications. The Municipality backed the breakwater/harbour project to

the full, although they had hoped the scheme would improve tourism through the
establishment of a yachting marina rather than just protect the fishermen's boats.

Other schemes that were successfully undertaken were the kerbing and guttering
of the Main Road and side streets, the establishing of the cemetery, the building

of a seaside platform at Kalk Bay station, the establishing of a public library, the
building of pavilions at Kalk Bay and Muizenberg, and three tidal pools.

Beachfront development was one of the real achievements of the Municipality
because it promoted tourism, a vital industry for the prosperity of Kalk Bay. The

taking over of the public schools at Kalk Bay and Muizenberg and the

compilation of a Voter's Roll were two more of their many achievements.

So, it was a grand moment on 8 September 1913 when the Deputy Mayor

(Councillor W. H. F. Pocock), in the absence of Mayor Delbridge, “handed over
the key” to the Greater City Council of Cape Town. Kalk Bay now joined Sea

Point, Maitland, Woodstock, Mowbray, Rondebosch, and Claremont (Wynberg
remained independent until 1927) in unification with Cape Town. (Figs. 2.9 &

2.10). Pocock noted in his address:

“...... we bequeath to our successors what we have every reason

to suppose will be looked upon as a most valuable
heritage.”………“..... we enter into Unification in the proud

position in which not one of the other municipalities stands -
excepting, of course, Cape Town - namely of having our own

water supply, drainage and electric light”.

It was a proud achievement by a remarkable Municipality that had functioned for

only eighteen years.