Maclear
The town of Maclear in the Eastern Cape province forms the principal town of the Maclear district. It is situated to the north of the province, on the north side of the Mooi River and in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains. The town was established in 1876 when Captain J.R. Thompson and troops were held up on their way to Matatiele, Eastern Cape. Maclear was named after the Royal Astronomer at the Cape, Sir Thomas Maclear. Before the town was established, the district was known as Gatberg. The town became a municipality in 1916 with electricity supplied by the municipal power station. It was not until when it was declared a magisterial district that the name was changed to Maclear in memory of the astronomer. The area is renowned for dairy farming and there are more than five cheese factories. The mountain area, fishing resort and quiet rural life attracts some tourists. In 1970 census divided Maclear's population of 3224 people according to race: 2 400 Blacks, 316 Coloureds and 508 Whites.
References
Potgieter, D.J.(ed)(1972). Standard Encyclopedia of Southern Africa, Vol. 7, Cape Town: Nasou, pp. 95-96.
