Kidd's Beach
History
An Historical View of Kidd’s Beach, 1870 - to about 1970
Adapted from a piece written by Kathleen Smailes at the age of 92.
“ As far as can be ascertained from information provided by the late Mr S.H.Venables, round about the 1870, the area of the village now named Kidd’s Beach, was under control of the Forestry Department and farmers were granted the privilege of congregating at Christmas at this place, then unnamed. They came in long-tent wagons and lived in tents and “skerms”.
Soon the area became popular far and wide.
One of the first buildings to be erected was put up by a Mr Willie Shone who built a rondavel during the early part of the Boer War, and for which he paid a rental of 20/- per annum to the Forestry Department.
For some time the area was called Shone’s Beach, after him, but this was changed to Kidd’s Beach, and so called after a Mr Kidd who supplied the campers with vegetables, milk, etc. A Mrs Hearns next built a shack on the sea front and used this for her permanent residence.
This was followed by a shack erected by Mr Darby Sparks, of Adelaide – a great fisherman. This was later pulled up by oxen to the position occupied by the fine house now called Sparkington and still owned by the same family of Sparks.
Collins and Brooks, of King William’s Town, followed with their shacks, all these being subject to 20/- a year rental.
Local farmers, including the late Messrs. L.H.Venables and B.J. Sheard showed their interest in the growing little village by building on the seafront. As time Went on there was such a demand for plots that the Forestry Department asked the Land Department to take over. The area was then surveyed and divided into plots which became available to the public at a purchase prices of 25 pounds and a stipulation that they were built on within 3 years.
The next development was when Mr W. Dredge from Dohne was induced to design and build the hotel. This was later bought by Mr Carlisle who obtained a liquor licence, a postal agency and grocery shop on the premises.
As the population of the village and area increased a school became necessary and the Sunny Grove Public School was transferred to where the present Primary School now stands.
Management of the village came under a local board for a time but in 1939 this became a Village Management Board consisting of three members, elected by ratepayers, which in 1950 was increased to six members. This V.M.B. operated successfully until about 1960 when difficulty was experienced in finding a suitable secretary or members to administer the affairs of the rapidly growing Village with its small revenue.
A ratepayers’ meeting decided that in the interests of all concerned it would be best to revert to a local area under the East London Divisional Council. This was done in January 1962. Time has proved that this was a wise decision.
During its administration the V.M.B. was responsible for many notable improvements, and when the East London/Kidd’s Beach road was tarred and the King William’s Town road improved, development went ahead.
In 1959 a Provincial Library was opened and has proved most popular. It also serves the farming community and school.
In 1956 Mr R.B.Shaw, a prominent farmer made application to extend the village by the addition of 43 plots along the sea front. This was granted and in 1958 the plots were offered for sale.
At the same time a fine scenic drive along the sea front and road over the hill near the hotel was completed. Streets were named and all Crown Lands in the village were purchased by the Board.
In 1960 Escom arrived and street lights installed and many houses were lit by it. A watch scheme was considered but was too expensive. Under the jurisdiction of the Divisional Council each year has seen some notable improvements.
In 1963 a fine tidal pool was opened by Mr Edgar Glass, Chairman of the Council, within a stone’s throw of the car park and in full view of the Tearoom. This pool greatly enhances the appeal as a holiday resort. The following year water-borne sewerage and an ablution block on the beach fulfilled a long felt necessity.
These amenities cost the Ratepayers nothing. A large parking area near the beach was tarred. Sport was catered for and became lively and active with a fine bowling green and tennis courts being built. Angling has always been popular.
A modern Anglican Church graces the entrance of the Village and is used by various other churches
In spite of its development, Kidd’s Beach has lost none of its quiet peaceful charm, where whole families can be relaxed and happy. Cottages are to let. The beach is expansive and bathing safe and there is a beautiful lagoon.
Mr Henry Cowan and I served on the V.M.B. for 10 years and then on Local Board for another 10 and under our guidance Kidd’s Beach was a happy “go ahead” place without being spoilt. I paid for lights to be installed in the library and with the help of Mr Shaw, swings and see-saws were put up on the Village Green. The latter also gave bell installations at the Anglican Church and a “jungle gym” at the school.”
Mrs Kathleen Smailes died in 1994 at the age of 93, just after submitting this article. She is buried at the Ncera Methodist Church Cemetery.