MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The iconic Point area of Mossel Bay, which is aptly described by the chief whip of the ANC in the Mossel Bay town council as the "Jewel of Mossel Bay', was regarded by the municipality in the year of 1917 as a place "not being used so much" and said to be going to "rack and ruin".

According to a report by Stéfan de Kock of Perception Heritage Planning in April 2013, the area on which the popular Point caravan park was developed, ervens 3601 and 3626, was referred to as the Vintcent's grounds, which were left in a trust by Mr J Vintcent for his minor children.

From a summary of minutes copied on 8 January 1916, "Certain piece of ground at the Point measuring two morgen 393 sq.rds 129 sq. ft. held under Deed of Grant dated 16th November 1895 was given to the Commissioners of Mossel Bay to be reserved as a recreation ground and was thereafter managed by the trustees."

The properties were transferred to the trustees in 1875, after Mr J Vintcent's death. 

The trustees were, among others, the resident magistrate, the mayor, the civil commissioner and several individuals, including AI Vintcent.

Application was made to the Administrator to transfer the land to the municipal council for easier maintenance.

When the administrator asked why the municipality would want the land, the reply was given in 1917 that there appeared to be a lack of interest in the ground on the part of the trustees, especially during the war when the ground was not being used as much as before.

Also, "as the place was going to rack and ruin for want of proper supervision, it was felt the Municipality with its ordinary staff would be in a better position to look after and administer the ground".

Prior to the war, the land was leased to a cricket club and a football club.

The Administrator's response then, still rings true today: "That the opinion of the voters be obtained."

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