Time And Temperature Clock For Dunedin

Press, Volume C, Issue 29671, 15 November 1961, Page 20

Time And Temperature Clock For Dunedin

"The Press" Special Service

DUNEDIN. Nov. 13. Early next year Dunedin will have a skyline unique in New Zealand. By that time the city will have the only time and temperature dock in the Dominion as well as a neon-sunlight sign. Both will be near the Dunedin Exchange and will be visible from most parts of the city. The clock is on the roof of the new National Insurance building, and the neonsunlight sign crowns the T. and G. building at the corner of Princes and Jetty streets. The time and temperature clock will have 560 light bulbs flashing on and off four times a minute and will be visible from a mile away.

The unusual feature of the dock will be its face. In place of the normal dial with 12 numbers and two hands, the time and temperature clock will simply show figures for the time and temperature. Each square in which numbers appear has 45 holes, behind which are the powerful light bulbs. They are controlled electronically to iluminate the correct holes and so produce the numbers corresponding with the time and temperature. >

The time and temperature numerals and also the floodlighting system, will be electronically controlled from a master dock.

Although the clock is the first of its type in New Zealand, there are many similar clocks overseas, especially in America. On the other side of Princes street will be the aluminium-backed T. and G.

sign. This will be lit by sunlight during the day and by neon-lighting by night. Originally it- was intended to light the sign with floodlight at night, but during trials this was found to be unsatisfactory. The sign, consisting of the letters T and G, 2%ft high on all three sides cd a triangular aluminium tower—should be visible from almost anywhere in Dunedin. The top of the tower which rises 40ft above the roof of the building, is almost 140 ft from the ground. The T. and G. sign is expected to be working early next month. The time and temperature dock should be working soon after Christmas.