China and Zig lived in Fisherhaven, probably in one of the timber-frame cottages built by the company, but China would return to Paarl for weekends where his sweetheart Edna Armstrong lived. Edna was the mother of Jean Armstrong, a widow and a few years older than China. Some family members say that the two were planning to marry. During one of his weekends in Paarl, on a cold winter evening on 1 June 1968, this couple was driving to the drive-in movie just outside Wellington. On a bridge in the Paarl industrial area, their car was hit by an oncoming car driven by a drunk driver. China was killed in the accident, while Edna survived with some bruises and fractures. Ironically, the drunk driver was due to appear in court the following week on another charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.
According to the estate papers filed in the Masters Office in Cape Town, China left no will and therefore died intestate. Besides some money in savings accounts, he owned a small share of the family property in Paarl, some 1,192 hectares in extent. His assets totalled R4,340.70 and liabilities totalled R388.14. The sum of R3,952.56 was divided amongst his mother and siblings, his mother received half (R1976.28) of the proceeds, while the 5 siblings each received R395.25.
This tragedy must have affected Bill Mitchell, with whom China had developed a very strong personal relationship, very deeply. It was also Bill’s decision that the mainroad in Fisherhaven, shown as “Cottonwood Drive” on the original plans, should be named after China. Approval was sought from the Caledon Divisional Council and this road was then renamed as “China Marais Drive”. Next time you drive down this road, spare a thought for China and his mates who helped to shape our village of Fisherhaven.
Frans Theunissen
Fisherhaven
22 April 2008
PO Box 39
Hermanus
7200
Tel 028 315 1990 or 082 559 4290
