TOWN CLOCK TOWER

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 158, 20 June 1935, Page 6

TOWN CLOCK TOWER

OBJECTIONS TO SITE Correspondents Voice Views RECONSIDERATION URGED (To the Editor.) Sir, —All to whom I have spoken regarding the Hastings clock tower are unanimous in their opinion that our councillors are making a grave mistake in proceeding with the present proposition. One of your correspondents suggests that the contractor should be stopped pending further consideration, to which suggestion 1 heartily agree. It has been said that “among many councillors there is much wisdom,” but in this caso there is certainly no evidence of it.

If I may be permitted to make a suggestion, 1 would propose that a steel arch be erected near the present site over Heretaunga street with the cloek on the top, where it would bo visible both ways, also from Railway road and Russell street. Whether my suggestion is considered or not, I trust that the council will not proceed with the work as at present intended, spending a lot of money which will not satisfy the ratepayers.—Yours, etc., CHAM. GARDNER. June 19, 1935. (To the Editor). Sir,—ln reply to “Maris” and “Progress” on the subject of the clock tower, why a nom-de-plume when any man of ordinary intelligence would agree with you} Why, the town is tickled to death. It makes me wonder what is wrong with the mentality of our borough representatives. Have they no brains, influence, or initiative that they should perpetuate such an outrage on the intelligence of the Hastings public! If the clock cannot be put where it can be seen the full length of Heretaunga street, then why go to any expense at all!—Yours, etc., JOHN W. G. BLACKEBT. June 19, 1935. (To the Editor). Sir, —I wonder if it is possible before it is too late to get the contractor to stop work on the clock tower so as to get a better site than placing it beside an old lavatory. It was not just so bad had it been on its original site, but the wells interfered with that. Now is the time to change the site to the centre of the street so that it be seen from both sides of our main street. It would divide the traffic, and there is plenty of room for widening the street, no buildings requiring to be removed. A bit could be taken off the flower beds on both sides. 1 think that they turned down the centre of the street because it was to cost more, but surely the council has plenty of money now’, as they said what a great bargain they made with the Hawke’s Bay Electric Power Board (selling their best paying asset), and they can use that money for anything now.—Yours, etc., READER. Juno 19, 1935. (To the Editor.) Sir,—l Have been waiting for one of our local organisations to make an effective protest against the decision to hide our proposed town elock. J understand it is not yet too late to get our City Fathers to have a little vision. (They won’t need any if they have their way). Undoubtedly the place for the clock tower is in the centre of Heretaunga street. Why <NI not our Chamber of Commerce or the Retailers’ Association at their recent meetings give voice to the thought of many at least of their individual members? You too, Sir, I hope will take a hand and help to prevent a serious mistake being made. I feel suro that any opposition from the Railway Department could be overcome without much difficulty.—Yours, etc., “COMMON SENSE.” June 19, 1935. (To the Editor.) Sir, —The erection of the temporary woodwork depicting the placement of tho town clock when erected should arouse every progressive ratepayer to disgust. The skeleton just erected will convince even the most ardent supporter of the present site of the uselessness of the erection. Since it is to be a town clock, one naturally would expect to be able to have a look at the clock from the main street, but the temporary tower ably demonstrates the futility of the project.

Even at this late hour, the Mayor should call a special meeting of the council, and endeavour to rectify what is a glaring mistake. If there is not the special council meeting then there should bo an indignation meeting of ratepayers. Had the dock been erected in a proper position, it would have been an asset to the town, but if the policy to build it where the excavation is now going on is insisted on, it will be regretted for ever.

Another thing that readily calls for open criticism is the fact of the bungle with the foundation, which has called for the shifting of the excavation to the present site. Just what had been on this section over a number of jears was well known to hundreds of Hastings citizens. It was known to the Mayor, and also to other members of the council, and in my opinion ’he whole thing reflects anything but creditable foiesight on those responsible for the selection of the present site.—Yours, etc., “LOOKING AHEAD.” June 19, 1935.