CLOCK TOWER FOR SUMNER

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21328, 22 November 1934, Page 7

CLOCK TOWER FOR SUMNER

TO TM BDITOB Or THE PRBSS. ; Sir, —The munificent gift to Sumner of a handsome clock tower by Mr R. E. Green, of Christchurch, will, no doubt, be very highly appreciated b,y every resident of the borough, and also by thousands .who visit this popular and picturesque seaside resort. It is a thing that has been sadly wanted for many years past, the only apology for one being that which lies flat against the post office building, about one foot in diameter, and which can be seen only from the middle or opposite side of the street. People may be seen all day long craning their necks to see the time, or to compare their watches. The proposal that Oamaru stone should be used for white facings I think is a great mistake, as it is so soft that in the course of years it would have to be replaced. It soon turns a dirty colour and would want scraping. Far better to have it all blue stone if a hard facing white one cannot be decided upon. The suggestion "that the tower should be placed toward the Scarborough end of the Esplanade" is anything but a good one, as nobody but those who happen to be in the vicicity could see it, and in the winter time it would be of very little use or service. There it would be in the full blast of the nor'-west sand clouds, which no doubt would affect the mechanism. In my humble opinion the proper and most useful place for it to be erected is in the business part of the township, where it would be of greatest service, viz., at the intersection of Wakefield avenue (which was dedicated to Felix Wakefield, one of the founders of Canterbury), and Nayland street, close to the Post Office, Borough Council Chambers, Town Hall, and general business locality. It would also give assistance to the great motor traffic between Christchurch and Lyttelton via Wakefield avenue. "The maximum number of residents and visitors" are at this end of the township, not Scarborough. If the tower is erected at this intersection it will compel motorists to keep on their proper side, instead of cutting the corners.—Yours, etc., AN OLD SUMNER RESIDENT. November 21, 1934.