Page 99 - KBHA Bulletin 16

96

led on to the pier, whose naturally artistic appearance was enhanced by an edging of
evergreens, and more strings of lamps. Everywhere were flags, dancing in the cooling
breezes which wafted the cooling waters of the Bay. Admission to the pier had been
limited to ticketholders. Those so privileged enjoyed an enlivening foretaste of the
delights shortly to be at the command of all Capetonians – subject, of course, to the
possession of the humble, but necessary, tickey.
Quite early in the afternoon a large number of ladies and gentlemen from the city
and suburbs, and many from surrounding districts, had assembled on the new pier, which
presented an animated and charming appearance. Genial sunshine and a delightful cool
breeze tended to make everything pleasant for the opening ceremony timed to take place
at 4 p.m.
nd
From three o’clock onwards the band of the 2 Lancashire Regiment, under the
direction of Band-master H Condon-Finucane, performed a choice selection of music.
At four o’clock his Honour the Administrator, Sir Frederick de Waal, K.C.M.G.,
Lady de Waal and party were met at the Pier gates and escorted to the platform by his
Worship the Mayor and Mayoress and Councillors.
The Administrator, who was received with applause, in the course of a brief
speech, congratulated the Council of Greater Cape Town on the great improvement the
pier would be as an attraction to visitors to the legislative capital, the gateway to South
Africa. There were few towns in Europe, even of ten times the number of inhabitants,
which had so fine a pier. Mr. Piercy, the engineer, had done excellent service to South
Africa, and he (the speaker) trusted Mr. Piercy would remain in the country to carry out
other progressive works.
A vote of thanks to the Administrator and Lady de Waal brought the opening
ceremony to a conclusion.

The Cape Argus, 20 November, 1913.

Festivities included tea followed by an Aquatic Gala comprising sailing races in dinghies,

fishing boats, and naval cadet craft. In the evening a procession of decorated and
nd
illuminated boats rounded the Pier, there was a fireworks display and the band of the 2
East Lancashire Regiment continued to provide music.

There were still items to be completed such as the tea-rooms, band stand and electric

lighting. The cost of the Pier, Circus and Adderley Street approach amounted to £51,000;
the Foreshore improvements had cost a further £34,000, making a total of £85,000 to

bring Cape Town’s waterfront up to acceptable international standards. Few would then
have thought that these proud structures would fail to act as permanent checks to railway

expansion northward into the bay and harbour expansion eastwards across the foreshore -

thereby guaranteeing Capetonians access to the Bay forever.