Page 75 - Bulletin 8 2004

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be two fish landing berths, one 660 feet long and the other 260 feet long. There would
also be provided a boat slip where repairs to fishing craft could be undertaken.
Moorings for yachts would also be provided for in the harbour. When completed a
lighthouse would be erected at the end of the breakwater. The extent of the water
protected from the south-easters would be fully eleven acres. He congratulated the
Mayor and Council upon the good work done that day.

THE RAILWAY STATION

Mr. Burton then proceeded to Muizenberg, where he opened the new railway
station. The key to the new building was presented to Mr. Burton by the builder (Mr. W.
Delbridge), who said he was very pleased to have the honour of doing so, and trusted it
would also be the key to greater future expansion in this neighbourhood, and that
Muizenberg would continue to hold its position as the premier seaside health resort of
South Africa. Mr. Burton then opened the door, and was received by the stationmaster
(Mr. Macdougall), who extended a cordial welcome, and requested the Minister to
accompany him to the booking office window, where the hon. gentleman and his wife
received the first two tickets issued. These were specially-printed commemorative
tickets, of which 250 had been printed, and were afterwards issued to the Mayor and
other guests while they lasted. The issuing was done by the booking clerk (Mr. Brown).
The Minister and party were then conducted by the stationmaster round the
booking hall, which had been beautifully decorated with palms, etc., kindly lent by Mr.
Cooper (Sir Abe Bailey’s manager) and Mr. Stansfield. The lower buildings having
been inspected, a move was made to the tea-rooms above the booking-office, which are
expected to be a prominent attraction during the coming season, the view from the
balcony and across False Bay and on to Cape Point being magnificent. Mr. Burton
expressed himself pleased with the new building in every way, and in a few words,
addressed from the tea-rooms’ balcony the public on the platform. He said he had very
much pleasure in declaring the new station open. He trusted it would assist materially in
developing Muizenberg and its surroundings, and that they would not become too proud
of themselves. The Minister and others then proceeded to the Municipal Pavilion, where
tea was provided by the Municipality. The Railway Catering Department had hoped to
be able to offer a slight initial refreshment at the station opening, but, unfortunately, the
painting, fixtures, etc., were not sufficiently forward to permit of this. It is expected the
rooms will be opened during the coming week.

A FEW TOASTS

At the Pavilion there were a short toast list. The loyal toasts of “The King” and
“The Governor General” having been honoured,
The Mayor proposed “His Majesty’s Ministers of the South African Union” –
coupling with the toast the name of Mr. W. Sauer.
Mr. Sauer, in responding, said that he was very glad of the reasons which had
brought them there that day. He was glad they now had a station that would be a credit
to anywhere, and he was also glad that they had something more useful in the harbour,
the works of which had just been commenced. Their member (Mr. William Runciman)
had by long-continued persistence done an important part in securing the harbour, and