It was thought at one time that the manganese deposits at Rooiels might be viable. In 1930 an experimental shaft was cut into the mountain side, and construction was begun on a small jetty on the coast below. However, the ore grade was found to be uneconomic. Added to this disincentive was the fact that landowners did not have mineral rights. Transportation was also a major issue, as all heavy equipment had to be carried round via Houw Hoek pass, or by sea. Up to World War II just a footpath existed from Steenbraas river to Rooiels. It was only in 1942 that Jack Clarence, a Rooiels landowner, aided by Italian prisoners of war, built the road that we now drive and enjoy, and know it as Clarence Drive.
On the last rise, just before you drop down to Rooiels, look out for some dark rocks and an old tunnel on the hillside above you, and the ruin of a small jetty on the rocky shore below you.
Music by: E Grieg from the Peer Gynt suite
Hall of the Mountain King by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0
Source: Royalty Free Music
Artist: incompetech – Music and also Graph Paper
Hope you enjoy.
On the last rise, just before you drop down to Rooiels, look out for some dark rocks and an old tunnel on the hillside above you, and the ruin of a small jetty on the rocky shore below you.
Music by: E Grieg from the Peer Gynt suite
Hall of the Mountain King by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0
Source: Royalty Free Music
Artist: incompetech – Music and also Graph Paper
Hope you enjoy.
