Page 231 - Bulletin 8 2004

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FISH HOEK LOOKING BACK

Joy Cobern

Introduction

My book, Fish Hoek – Looking Back, grew out of a suggestion by the publishers of my
late husband Malcolm’s book, The Story of the Fish Hoek Valley, that I should edit it for

a new edition. This was going to be a very difficult task as he wrote very much as he
spoke and abridging it would change the whole feel of it. He had also been very much

against this during his lifetime. They then suggested I expand the local historical articles

I had written for their local paper into a book, so after much persuasion Fish Hoek –
Looking Back was written for those who wanted to know a bit more about the town and

its beginnings.

Early Man in the Fish Hoek Valley

The valley was inhabited by early man for many thousands of years and traces of them

have been found in many places. The stone tools and burial sites, found in what was later
to become known as Peers Cave, were a significant discovery and aroused great interest

in archaeological circles throughout the world.

Victor Peers came to South Africa as part of the Australian contingent sent to fight on the

side of the British during the Anglo-Boer War. Having been brought up on a farm he had
a great love of plants. During the War he was wounded and sent to the Cape to

recuperate, and as he recovered he walked in the mountains and discovered the Cape
Flora. After the War he was repatriated to Australia, where he married, and then