Page 18 - Bulletin 4 2000

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wanted a considerable share. The KB-MM were determined that should there be a pavilion they

would be the major financial recipient.

In 1904 the KB-MM appointed the first full-time Beach Inspector, and in 1907 they erected a
Ladies’ Bathing Booth in an effort to stem the tide of protest that had developed due to the lack

of bathing amenities.

After the completion of the Drainage and Electric Lightworks Scheme in 1908 the pressure was

again on the KB-MM to do something more constructive with regard to the facilities on
Muizenberg Beach. Finances were, however, still tight but in 1909 the Cape Peninsula Publicity

Association approached the Municipality with the instruction that a Municipal Architect be

appointed to submit plans for a pavilion. They obliged and immediately sent the Municipal
Engineer on a visit to Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth to get ideas. Plans for the pavilion

were completed at the end of 1909 by the Municipal Engineer Mr. D. P. Howells, but the tenders
opened on 3 February 1910 proved too high, despite receipt of no less than ten tenders. The

pavilion, which was constructed of wood, was then built departmentally under Mr. Howells’
supervision for £3,641. This cost included drainage, electric lighting, and road making. The

pavilion was a great success and no sooner had it been completed than Council decided to extend

it.

On 24 August 1911 Mr W. Delbridge was awarded a contract for £1,283 for major extensions to
the original pavilion. The size increased by at least one third and the new dimensions were 100

metres long by 20 metres wide. It was raised from the beach on stilts which allowed the high tide
waters to carry up the beach beneath it. (Figs. 2.3 – 2.5.) It now housed an enlarged tea-room

which overlooked the beach, as well as an attractive lean-to verandah where teas could be served

outdoors. The contract for the lease of the tea-room was tendered for annually. In the first year
(1910) there were eight tenders of which Messrs. Millner and Traub, at a price of £366 per

annum, was successful. There was a bioscope, a hairdressing salon, and 97 dressing cubicles for
men and 77 for ladies. The pavilion was opened on 16 December 1911 by the Administrator of

the Cape, the Honourable Sir Frederic de Waal. (Fig. 2.6.)

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