THE POST OFFICE CLOCK TOWER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 31 August 1945, Page 4

THE POST OFFICE CLOCK TOWER

DEPARTMENTAL intention to remove all clock towers on Post Office buildings has met with considerable opposition throughout New Zealand. In some centres the work was carried out before the people realised what was going on; in others members of Parliament, including Labour members, have been asked to intercede strongly on behalf *of the retention of the clock towers and these representations have been made. In Oamaru popular feeling reached a height which prompted street processions and a public gathering at the clock tower. Such reactions are clear proof that the people in New Zealand towns, like those in the older countries, have a genuine affection for their town clock which they look upon as a very useful amenity and an old friend whom they would sorely miss were he taken away. And. after all, why should not the people of Oamaru or Nelson feel much the same about a town clock which has been so long with them as the people of London and many more throughout the Empire feel towards “Big Ben.”? Too often officialdom is disposed to ignore the opinions of the people. In extenuation it may be said that, in New Zealand, these municipal clocks are generally to be found on the chief post offices and the Departmental view is that they all constitute a blanket earthquake risk; therefore they must be the victims of a blanket demolition order. Nelson’s tower, which houses a citizens’ clock, is apparently still under unconfirmed sentence and the Council is to be commended for its perseverance in trying to get a temporary reprieve made permanent. All through the negotiations there has been no clear evidence that the Department has made any real effort to consider alternatives to its complete removal that would eliminate or lessen the danger which Departmental officials say exists.