Reader Tarryn has written to ask for info on a research project she’s doing. She wrote:
“I have been asked to do some research on the development of Durban’s boundaries from 1935 particularly with them extending North way to Umhlanga area. Furthermore, I need to understand what is meant by the term Durban and Districts. Please could you point out any useful material that I can consider if you perhaps know. Thanks.”
Can anyone help her?
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Gerald Buttigieg
Hi Tarryn
Some years ago, a topic called Western Hinterland was posted on the Facts about Durban website. I attach the link to it. It explains the term “Durban and Districts” which I happened to come across in the 1938 Lawrie’s Durban Directory. I am not sure when the incorporation of the “outlying suburbs” into Durban itself took place and I also thought it was in the early 1930s but in the 1938 directory they are still listed as “districts”. I am sure there must be a record of the event and I would think the Killie Campbell library would be a good place to start.
https://www.fad.co.za/2013/01/06/western-hinterland/
Richard Holmes
Gerald the “outlying suburbs” were officially called “Added Areas” – if memory serves the incorporation happened in 1934
William Paterson
Tarryn, have you looked at Umgeni Heights? I could put you in touch with one of the daughters of Bill Hirst. The Hirsts lived
in a colonial contraption of a place on the heights. Bill designed the original domed building of Howard College. He used to climb the derelict wind pump on the estate on some Sundays to check the weather – so he could decide on which course to choose to play golf and proudly admire the distant view of Howard’s Dome
Other families living in quite grand old houses on the hilltop were the Buckles (Percy Buckle was the manager of Henwood’s) and the Clarksons. Clarkson owned the quarry on the sea side of Buttery Road. His brother was Senator Clarkson.
We lived in the oldest house, called Chelmsford. Big gardens, a fountain which no longer worked and wonderful views of the valley and the sea.
William