Page 112 - Bulletin 8 2004

109

Era 2: Harbour construction and motorization of the fleet, 1913 – 1939

The gantries were a temporary solution only and plans for a harbour had been prepared as
early as 1903.

The Wynberg Times: 20 June, 1903.

Local Observations

The Kalk Bay Harbour Bill, which was introduced last Session and received such
flattering attention on all sides by the members, was feared to have gone amiss during the
recess owing to conflicting opinions amongst the Engineers who submitted plans. Reports
which now are proved to be unfounded, stated that the divergence was so great that there
was small hope of seeing it again. The reply given by the Commissioner in the House on
Thursday to Mr. Runciman’s question is reassuring enough and the scheme in one form or
the other is likely to be passed.

Mr. Methven’s plans were condemned by the select committee owing to the small
area to be closed, but this result was more due to the fact that the amount of expenditure
was to be limited to £40,000 than to any actual defect in the scheme. The alternative plans
were made by Mr. Westhoven which represented an expenditure of £70,000. These were
favoured by the committee, but owing to a report on the same by Mr. Methven which
alleged that the scheme was unsuitable for an exposed part of the coast like that of Kalk
Bay, the Commissioner wisely decided to send the whole thing to Sir Benjamin Walker, the
English expert, who approved of Mr. Methven’s plans, as he considered that a breakwater
built of rubble would not be sufficiently durable, and that cement concrete blocks would be
necessary.

The gantries had been regarded by all as a temporary measure pending the
construction of a proper harbour once funds became available. There were not enough
hoists and a slipway was also needed. And also proper fish cleaning and storing facilities.

The biggest opposition to the building of the harbour came from the fishermen themselves

as was related in a press report of that time.