WHAT MIGHT BE.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14903, 17 February 1914, Page 4

WHAT MIGHT BE.

THE POSSIBILITIES OF BRIGHTON.

A DURBAN EXAMPLE

SUCCESSFUL MIUNICIPAL ENTERPRISE.

A Durban man visited New Brighton bench yesterday afternoon, and was surprised, and even dismayed, at the lamentable lack of development of the natural resources of tho beach in the interests of the people. He had in mind what had been done in his home city to mako- just such a waste beach into the ono great ]X>pular centre of the city, and could not help crying out aloud, as it were, at the need for similar activities at New Brighton. As example is better than precept ho outlined to a "Press" reporter last evening the course by winch tbe progressive Durban municipality has made "its beach into tho popular promenade and healthful "lung" of the city-that it is ''We had no natural advantages to start with," he said. "A couple of miles down from the heart of tho town was tho far-extending sea beach, backed by shifting sand-dunes, unrelieved by any vegetation. But the City Council saw possibilities in this beach, and they started out to realise thorn, ixrst' ot all they built a big enclosed seabath by driving into tho surf a semi-circle of piles to cuard against sharks. Then up went dressing accommodation and down came tho tram-line, and tho popular seaside movement started. But tho Council kept it moving irom the jump. Along the beach it laid a fine solid promenade, and laid out amongst the rolling sand-dunes a -magnificent .carriage drive, which has just been completed. And right from tho very beginning it faced the problem of shelter and experimented with trees to bind the sand and give shelter and shade. '•Successful? Every time. From tho start the peoplo appreciated the aims of the Council, and responded to every fresh effort made for their comfort "and interest. The upshot of it now is that in the winter season (which with us is "tho" season) that beach is the centre of South African life. Down from the interior come thousands upon thousands of tired Afrikanders pining for the fresh sea-air and tho comforts of tlio town. Those that can't get accommodation in the big hotels that havo sprung up on tho sea-front in response to tho demand, camp out in tents, so that the beach presents a unique spectacle with hundreds of white tonta pitched here, there and everywhere. Their inmate- can enjoy both surf and still water bathing, and sun-bathing ad lib. Tn addition to tho surf enclosure thero has been erected on the beach a big still water bath—looyds by 20 —into which tho sea water is pumped. The best of equipment is provided here, even up to a series of springboards. "After tho attractions of bathing comes tlio glamour of music. For five months in each year the Council secures a military hand —a different ono each month—from tho Imperial regiments, and arranges -for a series of splendid concerts from a fine band rotunda. All about tlio bench are chairs for biro for threepence, and these will be placed anywhere desired by Indian boys in charge. Then for the youngsters there aro two big paddling enclosures, beautified by a rockery crowned with a display of scarlet geraniums. It's a fine sight, I tell you, to see how the kiddies enjoy their paddlo here. "Yes, the? Council has spent thousands and thousands of pounds upon this development work, but it has paid over and over again. It has made Durban the Riviera of South Africa, and is now provoking rivalry on tho part of other towns. The tramways are utilised very cleverly to boom tlie beach. Tho faro for a three-mile run is threehalfpence, and that ticket will admit you to the band enclosure, the surf enclosure, or the walking enclosure. Lately too, nine tennis courts have been opened up for hire by tho public. Thoy are. beautifully laid down, and are used for championship eveuts. "Tho old beach, as you can recognise, has been absolutely transformed. From a wild waste of sand-dunes it has been changed into a vivacious seaside city, There are shops and cafes and life and colour on the sea-front. There are. thousands there every night, and it is the great open-air gymnasium and theatre of tho place. Even yet improvements aro being made, und groynes aro being rar out under tho advice of Mr Cathcarfe W. Methven. lato harbour engineer to the Natal Government, to retain and improve tho sand area of the beach. "Now," concluded the Durban man, as ho waved his hand towards Now Brighton beach, •■"What's* tho matter with doing a little of the same sort of thing hero? It-.would pay you."