Page 106 - KBHA Bulletin 16

103

levels were broad landing areas reached by stairs for bathing and alighting into small

boats.

The Observation Tower, rising to 120 ft at the top of the flagstaff, was the focal element
of the Pierhead ensemble. An inner spiral staircase led to the viewing platform 80 ft

above the water from which there were unforgettable panoramic views back to Table
Mountain and out over the Bay. The Tower proved very popular and was a considerable

source of revenue: £300 flowed in during the first six months. The circus and pier were lit

at night along the whole length, as were the various elements at the pierhead. (Figs. 3.19
– 3.24).

Maturation

The Pier became a popular venue for all sorts of activities, the simplest being strolling,
viewing and dining. Concerts were held in the open-air pavilion and the City Orchestra

played there regularly. Swimming was popular at lunch-times and late afternoons from
the specially provided concrete platforms below the main deck, and the Pierhead

Swimming Club had up to 105 members 20% of whom braved the “grippingly cold”

water and swam daily throughout the year. Yacht races took place in the bay beyond,
small boats were available for hire from Mr Stephens, and from the Pierhead cruises

around the bay could be taken on the motor vessel Chance (1932-38). Suicides
occasionally took place from the viewing platform. In 1933 the Western Province

Amateur Rowing Association was given a 20-year lease over accommodation beneath the
Concert Pavilion. Until 1931 it was possible to board a tram on Adderley Street and take

the ‘finest tram ride in the world’ over Kloof Nek to Camps Bay and back above Clifton

through Sea Point to town.

The Council published attendance figures at all its resorts from 1930 onwards: in 1930

253,633 people visited the Pier (compared to 256,106 at Muizenberg Pavilion). The four
summer months from December to March were the most popular (66% of all visitors) and

during these times weekends were busiest. By 1932 – 33 numbers had dropped by 50% to