The Cape of Good Hope (1960s)

[Music] Most people at some stage in their lives have been interested in postage stamps. One of the most famous collector specimens is the old Cape Triangular issued in 1853 by the former colony of the Cape of Good Hope. The Cape has long been known for its unique scenic appeal. But how many people are aware that it was this great beauty that inspired Sir Francis Drake to call it the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the [Music] earth? The mountains and valleys are exactly the same today, but with the addition of modern firstass roads. Now you can drive all around these intriguing promonies discovering for yourself those delights which evoked that description from the intrepid mariner. There are fascinating rocky coes and irresistible sandy beaches at every turn of the road. That guiding light for which those early mariners so fervently craved today a welcoming beam to ships from all over the world and welcomes you to a city as modern as the 20th century itself. Cape Town can still justifiably claim to be the mother city of the Republic of South Africa. But everywhere there is evidence of its modernity, its architecture ever reaching higher towards the skies, its efficient system for handling the traffic into and out of the city. Cape Town may not be the only city with roads adequate to cope with the everinccreasing demands of this motoring era, but few have better and many not as good. [Music] The roads through this natural paradise have been planned with such efficiency that the former joys of motoring are restored to us. And there are beaches to suit every taste. Clifton caters for the family man. Here, all amenities will be found readily available for parents with young families and teenagers who like to give the impression that they're not teenagers. Then there is Camp's Bay for those who seek a more placid type of holiday. The popularity of Musenberg has been a by word for many years. Miller's Point is especially suitable for the caravaner. Here he is welcomed and catered for. And there are countless more beaches where the sea is just as thrilling and safe at the same time. Where the sand is just as golden and enjoyable, and where there is plenty of everything for all comers. The demands of vacationists will never exhaust the natural attributes of the Cape. Many are the relics of those days when the old triangular stamp could be bought for forance. Here, for example, is the castle, residence of the early governors, which guaranteed sanctuary in troubles times to the intrepid founders of a nation. It is the oldest building in the country and is maintained in a perfect state of preservation. Here's an old Dutch windmill that still works as it did 200 years ago. This Cape Dutch house was the home of Governor Simon Fandertow around the end of the 17th century. The House of Assembly long steeped in historical associations. Crutes, the Prime Minister's residence, presented to the nation by Ceil Roads. the South African Museum, the war memorial to Delville Wood, and the former Supreme Court is still a landmark in the center of the city. There are many contrasts between the old and the new. The University of Cape Town has a charming atmosphere of oldw world [Music] dignity. But at this huge modern hospital, the latest techniques of medicine are applied for the benefit of all citizens. Every new year, the bustling commercial center of Cape Town witnesses the colorful Coons Carnival. During this carefree period, members of the Cape Colored population literally take over the streets of the city and they stage their exciting pageant of competitive singing and [Music] dancing. Majestic Table Mountain has watched a fascinating array of shipping throughout the ages. It witnessed Basco Dama's fleet of tiny sailing ships nose timidly into sight 500 years ago. What changes have come about in the ensuing [Music] centuries. In this harbor, vessels of every description can be seen, including the elegant pleasure craft of those seeking relaxation from the pressures of modern life. These sturdy little motorboats take fishermen to pit their wits against the game fish of deep waters. Monsters like this can be brought back from where two oceans meet. Nothing can be more exhilarating than to be out amongst the turmoil of sundrenched elements and to battle with lines taught almost to breaking [Music] point. A day's tunning here never fails to provide thrills and complete satisfaction. The friendly colored fisherman will always answer the questions of every land lover and direct them to where the larger commercial vessels unload their silver bounty from the deep to be sorted and packed or dispatched to inland cities. Many of these fishing boats will be found at rest at Cork Bay Harbor from where they also ply more comfortable vessels provided especially for the visitors pleasure. These take you out to Seal Island where you will see the fascinating spectacle of thousands of seals frolicking in their natural [Music] environment. Returning from this unique experience by way of Simon's town, you will find that battleship gray is the predominant color for this is the home base of South African marine defense. The rapidly growing South African Navy is here in strength using the harbor established in the old colonial days. In this establishment, the young officers of tomorrow are trained for their naval careers. Any one of the numerous drives around the peninsula will reveal resorts with characters of their own. There are facilities for almost any kind of sport you can think of. Kennallworth Racecourse has that rather special atmosphere of sophisticated diversion which is never quite the same anywhere except at a really smart race meeting. And then there is cricket at Newlands. A test match with an overseas team such as the MCC always attracts huge crowds. International rugby is invariably exciting. Here, South Africa is playing the [Music] Argentine. The Cape is a vast garden set in a perfect climate. At the Kirsten Bosch Botanical Reserve can be seen most of the Republic's 2,600 different flowers, many of which are found nowhere else in the [Music] world. Because of this floral richness, one for granted displays like this right in the heart of the city. It is perhaps difficult to choose between the masterpieces of nature and those produced by man, such as this inspiring memorial to ceil roads. There is no doubt that the Cape Peninsula has been richly endowed with scenic beauty. And one of the easiest ways to appreciate this is to take a ride in the cableway to the top of Table Mountain, 3,400 ft above the waters of the bay. This is indeed an awe inspiring experience and one that will remain with the visitor for the rest of his days. The Cape meant good hope indeed to the early mariners. Today there is good hope and bounteous fulfillment for all who visit these hospitable shores. [Music] [Music]