Today in Kimberley's History
September 4th
Cecil Rhodes first visit to Kimberley as Premier was when he was entertained at a Banquet in the Town Hall on 4 September 1890. Tickets to the gallery were on offer after 10am at the City Hall.
“Mr Mayor [TW Goodwin] and Gentlemen,” Rhodes said, “I thank you for the very cordial and hearty manner in which you have received the toast proposed. I cannot say that ‘A Prophet is not without honour save in his own country,’ for I am not a prophet, and I think the honour done to me tonight as one of your citizens, on my being raised to the position of Premier of this colony, is very great indeed; and I appreciate it extremely…I thought of my positions I occupied in the De Beers and the Chartered Company, and I concluded that one position could be worked with the other, and each to the benefit of all…If there is anything that would give me encouragement, it is the kindly and cordial greeting my fellow citizens have extended to me tonight…”
(Photo Public Domain)
HARRY OPPENHEIMER receives the FREEDOM of the CITY of KIMBERLEY - 1973
On 4 September 1973 mining magnate, patron of the arts and philanthropist Harry Frederick Oppenheimer received the Freedom of the City of Kimberley. The ceremony took place in the portico of the 'temporarily face-lifted' City Hall. The mayor L.H.G. (Laurie) Shuttleworth handed the casket containing the illuminated freedom citation to Oppenheimer, who had earlier inspected an honour guard composed of soldiers from the Kimberley Regiment.
The built fabric of Kimberley was referred to by Mr Oppenheimer when he mentioned the new 'multi-million rands sorting house soaring up on the city's civic centre'. It was a symbol of Kimberley's continuing leadership in the diamond industry just as the De Beers head offices in Stockdale Street were a reminder of a proud heritage. 'I have always firmly resisted suggestions to pull down the old buildings' said Harry Oppenheimer as they represent so much history and show how we started.
He went on to say that at some time in the future the mines in Kimberley would be worked out but when that did happen it would not mean the end for the city, because it was no longer solely dependent on diamond mining, as it now has a 'vigorous industrial and commercial life of its own'. Oppenheimer ended his speech by saying that it was a day 'I will never forget. I will always be extremely proud to be named as a freeman of the city. My family and I owe much to the city of Kimberley, and this has crowned a long and happy association with the city. Receiving this honour would remain 'my pride and joy for as long as I live'.
(Text & photo selection from the McGregor Museum's collection: Robert Hart)
Harry Oppenheimer inspecting the guard of honour (with the old Post Office building in the background). Photo courtesy of McGregor Museum: mmkp4853-4.
