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Date: 1930 Type: Hall Status: Unknown

A commemorative key was identified by Dennis Jenkinson in a Locksmith's shop in Gonubie, East London in May 2018. The key had been presented to Councillor R. Thompson on the occasion of the opening of the Communal Hall in Eastern Native Township on 26 July 1930 - some 88 years ago. The wording inscribed on the head of the key reads as follows: PRESENTED TO CR. R THOMPSON VICE CHAIRMAN NATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ON THE OPENING OF THE COMMUNAL HALL EASTERN NATIVE TOWNSHIP 26.7.30 It was thought that the key related to a township located in East London - but research by Flo Bird of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation - using archived copies of the Johannesburg City Council Minutes - has confirmed the following information: Councillor R Thompson Appears in the list of City Councillors on the Native Affairs Committee. 5th April 1929 Decision to build a combined school and communal hall for Western and Eastern Native Townships. 2000 pounds for Western and only 1 000 for Eastern. 7th February 1930 Tenders listed and Council accepted that of James Thompson in the amount of 1 265 pounds for Eastern Native Township Hall. 26th August 1930 Scale of charges for leasing the Halls "The halls shall be let for such entertainments as are approved by the City Council but they shall not be let for any purposes of a political nature or to any political body or organisation." 21st October 1930 Fencing : Tenders Accepted that of Wm. Bain and Co. for 199 pounds 5 shillings and 9 pence. Submitted by William MARTINSON May 2018