A FLORAL CLOCK.

Evening Star, Issue 23818, 24 February 1941, Page 9

A FLORAL CLOCK.

TO THE EDITOR.. Sir,—l notice that a report is to come before the meeting of the City Council on Monday next from the superintendent of reserves on the question of providing a floral clock in the city. Tno estimate (which to the writer seems a very lit 4(1 one) is that it would cost approximately, installation £SOO, annual upkeep £3OO, with further additional accommodation lor housing the plants through the winter perhaps £SOO. It is estimated roughly, of course, that 20,000 plants will be required. Stock plants of carpet bedding varieties will have to be purchased, and this alone will mean a large sum. The installation alone on the site suggested (the Octagon), although an ideal central position, may mean nearer £BOO than £SOO before it is suitable for such a feature to be installed —another important matter which the Reserves Committee would do well to consider.

Has the superintendent of reserves the special knowledge required for this work, notwithstanding that a few months ago he was sent Homo at the ratepayers’ expense, which roughly cost them close on £700? X am afraid the time spent on this trip was far too short for him to gain any knowledge required for the above work. The suggestion is an ideal one, and the clock would be a great attraction, as they are in many of the fashionable places in the southern parts of England, where carpet bedding is common. Generally the borough arms or the Prince of Wales feathers, etc., are the designs carried out. The writer has often wondered why this system of bedding has not been adopted, seeing that- there are a number of sites in and around the city most suitable for this work. Are the persons in charge to blame, or is it that the members of the Reserves Committee have not had the knowledge to assist, the staff to carry it out. 1 trust that when things again become normal this excellent suggestion will he realised. —I am, etc., F. S. Pejirett. February 22. <