PEOPLE WANT POST OFFICE CHIMES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 9 April 1945, Page 3

PEOPLE WANT POST OFFICE CHIMES

EXAMPLE FROM SYDNEY FIGHTING OFFICIALDOM Since it was revealed that the plans for the extensive remodelling of the G.P.O. building in Sydney included no provision for restoring the great clock and its bells of the former Post Office tower, there has been a flood of protests from the people of Sydney, slates the “Sydney Morning Herald.” It is over 50 years since the chiming bells were specially made for Sydney, and they have established a strong hold upon the affections of the public. The demolition of the old tower in 1942 was popularly accepted as a wartime necessity, and whatever fate migfit have been ordained for it in the rebuilding of the G.P.0., nobody understood that the familiar clock and chimes were to disappear for Mr Cramp, the retiring secretary of the Royal Australian Historical Society, has lent point to the public indignation by recalling that the bells were cast by English founders on the model of a set at Cambridge, and that the largest bell —of five tons—bears the initials “H.P.” and was to have been known as “Great Parkes” in honour of Henry Parkes, Not only ar e the chimes thus intimately -linked with the life and history of Sydney, but \hey have eeftned high praise for their quality. It is small wonder that the citizens should be incensed by the suggestion that they must fight officialdom now in order to restore the bells.