Page 114 - Bulletin 8 2004

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of business that was being carried on. The area of foreshore was too small to carry on the
industry to any extent. They wanted these works carried out for the purpose of landing and
handling fish in the proper manner. In an interview he had with the Premier, the latter had
said Kalk Bay would have the first chance. After all the work that had been done on their
behalf, they found the men petitioning the House against the building of this harbour. It was
a perfect outrage, and not only should they present a petition, but they should take up the
matter themselves. Considering the other interests that were affected, the fishing industry
was a small concern. What they had to do – and he was sure the Council was with them –
was to send in a larger petition signed by men of sense, asking for the construction of the
work. If that did not do, they could go to the Government and insist on the work being
carried out. His true opinion was that the fishermen were not capable of looking after their
own interests. They could not leave the matter where it was. They would have to do
something to counteract that petition. They must improve the position of the fishermen in
spite of themselves.
A member of the deputation stated that he knew of one case where others would not
lend a hand to a man to get his boat up unless he signed the petition.

Eventually, the construction of the harbour and the outer breakwater commenced on 7 June
1913 when the foundation stone was laid on the by the Minister of Railways & Harbours,

Mr. Henry Burton. During construction of the shore end of the breakwater the ground in

front of the fish factory belonging to I & J was reclaimed for the fish landing quay and
harbour working area. The construction of the outer breakwater wall was completed in

1917. (Figs. 3.7 & 3.8).

Around about this period Mohammed Cosyn was the first to have his sailing fishing boat,

the Saafie, converted by installing a small 3hp Kelvin power paraffin engine. These
engines, combined with sails, enabled the boats to venture further than had been possible by

rowing or sailing.

During the time the harbour was constructed it was recorded that Kalk Bay had 48 boats
worth a total value of £2,288. Upon completion of the harbour there were 16 motor

powered fishing boats in the harbour. By 1923 this figure had increased to a total of 23

motorised fishing vessels. Also during this time it was recorded that there were 65 white