Page 76 - Bulletin 8 2004

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when the measure had come before the House for consideration it was the only time he
(Mr. Runciman) had given the Government his whole-hearted support. (Laughter.) For a
considerable time people had generally felt that something should be done. The fishing
industry was no insignificant industry, and it was capable of great expansion. People
spent their money and gave their energies to the development of many doubtful
industries, but he hardly knew a locality where the opportunity to develop a profitable
industry was greater than in Kalk Bay. He hoped that the fishing industry would be
greatly extended until it was one of the greatest of the Union. He hoped to see things in
Muizenberg more advanced than they were now. He remembered the time when there
were only a few houses in Muizenberg, when everything was more primitive than they
were today. He remembered when bathing was more primitive – (laughter) – but now
bathing in Muizenberg was what he would call Continental – (laughter) - and he thought
that in time they might be able to say that it was up to date. (Laughter.) In recent times
the visitors to Muizenberg had increased very much, and he might say that that had been
almost entirely due to the foresight and energy of the General Manager of Railways, Mr.
Hoy. (Cheers.) Mr. Hoy’s wise policy had benefited Muizenberg and the Railway
treasury, as well as the general community. He again thanked them for drinking the
toast, and for asking him to be present. (Cheers.)
Mr. P. G. Wege proposed the toast of “The Railways Administration”, with
which he coupled the name of the Minister of Railways and Harbours, Mr. Burton.
Mr. Burton, in the course of his reply, said he thought Muizenberg one of the
most beautiful corners of God’s earth, but in the past it had been disgracefully
neglected. It had the finest beach in the world – a beach which extended for fully
twenty-five miles. The air was bracing, the climate mild and health-giving – in fact
Muizenberg was the Riviera of South Africa, and could be made one of the most
attractive resorts in the whole world. But the development depended on the people
themselves. Providence had done more than they could reasonably expect. But a great
deal had been done in recent years, but more needed to be done, especially in affording
reasonable provision for visitors. Great praise had been rightly given to the present
General Manager of Railways for the great development which had taken place. He
would give them a few figures. In 1909 the number of railway passengers had been
54,232, last year this number has risen to 147,145 – being almost trebled. Then the fares
had been almost halved. Both the traffic and the revenue had been more than doubled,
and the time occupied in the journey from Cape Town had been reduced from 52 to 28
minutes. He would not dilate upon the new station, and he sincerely hoped their
wakening up would lead to further development. They had one of the best positions – if
not the best in the world. (Applause.)
Mr. W. Runciman, M.L.A., proposed “The Railway Board and Staff”, and
coupled it with the name of Sir Thomas Price and Mr. W. W. Hoy. He referred specially
to the services Mr. Hoy had rendered to Kalk Bay and Muizenberg.
The Mayor of Cape Town (Mr. Harry Hands) proposed the toast of “Kalk Bay
and Muizenberg”.
Mr. Sauer moved a vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding, and the
proceedings came to an end.