===================================================================== Match: Bowles Source: SOUTH-AFRICA-EASTERN-CAPE-L@rootsweb.com From: "Becky Horne" <beckyjh@telkomsa.net> Subject: Fun memories of Saville WATS0N, circa l9l5 - Part II Continued from Part I. The Eisteddfod was the event of the year. Mr. WHITE as the big music teacher of the time and Saturday was music lesson day. Almost everyone learnt to play an instrument in those days. Wednesdays and Fridays was practice time for the Choir of Holy Trinity where the organist was Roger ASCHAM who lived in Havelock Street. He also played the organ in the Feather Market Hall. With the coming of radio Mr. WATSON who was the star boy chorister, had the privilege of singing "Hark, Hark, the Lark" in the Grahamstown Radio station. His brother built a crystal set which required much cranking and it was not long before he was informed that a licence was required to crank the handle! An annual tattoo was held in St. George's Park and was arranged by Mrs. BOWLES who was a great singer. The Opera House was a great venue and people such as Harry LAUDER played there and the bell ringers were annual visitors. The 3-Arts ball and Show ball were social events of the year. Down in the valley were the Chinese gardeners who came up each day to hawk their fresh wares in Rink Street and the Western Road area. It was a great event when the first bus arrived in the city. It was named the Maid of the Mountain and many residents occupied themselves rushing out to see if it would make it down Whites Road without disaster. His father owned a 1910 Maxwell and commented that he felt that a good speed to do was about 28 mph! Then came the depression with all its hard times and tragedies. There were the Masa Balala Riots when thousands of Blacks walked into town from New Brighton. Masa was locked up in the Baakens Street Police cells and his release was requested but refused. Several Blacks were killed. Their demands and reasons were not much different from those of today. When Mr. WATSON senior sold his house he realised £4 740 which was a record for its day. Cars at Williams Hunt and Brook were priced as follows: Chevrolet £285, Pontiac £450; Buick £575 and Oldsmobiles were at a price few could afford. SOURCE: EC Genealogical Society Newsletter Feb 2005, No. 72 Part III to follow. Best wishes Becky