SITE FOR THE CLOCK

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3809, 16 September 1936, Page 4

SITE FOR THE CLOCK

BOROUGH COUNCIL DISCUSSION. DECISION TO CONFER WITH CHAMBER. Following a decision of the local Borough Council at its last meeting to inquire from the Justice Department if the post office clock and tower which is to be dismantled to make way for the additions and remodelling of the post office, could be re-erected on part of the police station section, where Walton and Redoubt Streets converge, the Chamber cf Commerce discussed the possibility of the clock being re-erected in a back street, where it could not be seen from the busines area (principally Alexandra Street), the secretary of the Chamber wrote to the Borough Council meeting on Monday evening as follows:--“My Chamber is deeply interested in the question ot a new site for the town clock, which will have to be dismantled shortly, and I am directed to ask your Council to delay the proposed erection of the clock in Redoubt Street until other sites have been thoroughly investigated. As my Chamber was instrumental in the first place in getting the clock, we have more than a sentimental interest in it:, future position. May I suggest that representatives from the Chamber be invited to assist in the Council’s deliberations on the question of the site.” Cr Rainey said he didn’t care where the clock is re-erected . The Mayor said he believed most of the Councillors have an open mind about where the clock should go. Cr Jourdain remarked that if it is put in Redoubt Street the clock will 'never be seen. Cr Gifford: Who says so? Cr Jourdain: I say so! The Mayor remarked that the clock in its present site cannot be seen from Alexandra Street, for high buildings near by have cut off the view for several years. The Chamber of Commerce has now asserted itself, by condemning the proposed site, but it had not offered any other site as suitable for the purpose. The Chamber has done its best to prevent the Council from getting the site. In his opinion a tower in the intersection in front of the post office would block the view of traffic from three ways, and thus would be a menace. He was sure such a site would be condemned. Cr Jourdain questioned this latter contention. The Mayor said it had probably been foolish to make public what the Council intended to do. Now the Minister will probably refuse the request. Cr North said if the business people wanted a clock where they could see it they could get an electric clock erected in front of the new buildings. The Mayor said Te Awamutu was unfortunate in not having any open space available where a clock tower could be erected. He wanted the clock re-erected where it could be seen. Cr North: Yes, and by as many people as possible. The Mayor said he would have no objection to handing over the clock to the Chamber of Commerce, and let them find -the money to re-erect it. Cr Montefiore said it was not correct to say that the site in front of the post office, right in the roadway, is impossible. Actually the Council had not considered that as a possible site. The clock could be placed there on a steel tower. Not much ground space would be required. The Mayor: It is an impossible site. I regard it as a death trap, and I am sure the authorities would not consent to it being re-erected there in these days. Cr Montefiore was proceeding to quote other towns, including Manaia and Dannevirke, when Cr Gifford interposed with a comment that most people would object to having a clock towei attached to their own premises. The Mayor said he would like to see a clock attached, say, to Mr Rainey’s buildings where Market, Roach and Alexandra Streets intersect. It would be very unwise to erect it in the streets in the business area. The junction in front of the post office site is not wide enough. “We have been begging for the widening of that street, and now it is proposed to block it up again!” Cr Montefiore inquired if the Mayor realised the width of the street there. The Mayor said the street is about 14 chins wide, and there is three-way traffic. He felt certain the Minister of Public Works would not allow the street to be obstructed like that. It would need a 60ft tower. Cr Montefiore: We should get advice. A tower with a base of about 9t't would serve. The Mayor: In other towns they are pulling down such obstructions. Cr Brown expressed the opinion that a tower in an open space was preferable to placing it near buildings. The Mayor: Lorries passing along the streets would put the clock works out of order. We need to place it as high as possible. Cr Rainey: What about the Triangle site? Cr North: Is the clock for the few people in the middle of the town or for the general body of burgesses? I think it should be placed on high ground. The Mayor remarked that the time was coming when a new town hall would replace the present structure, and therefore the clock tower in Redoubt Street would be in an advantageous position.

To another interjection, the Mayor said the Council, by its inquiry, had merely put out a feeler, and now the Chamber of Commerce has blocked that move. There is no need to hurry. No reply has been received from the Minister yet. Cr Montefiore considered the Council should seek outside advice. The Mayor: I remember the whole negotiations when the clock was first obtained, years ago. The Chamber of Commerce members wouldn’t pay a penny of the cost. The late Mr Wm. Taylor gave them a cheque for the whole amount required. Cr Montefiore then moved that the Chamber of Commerce be invited to confer with the Council on the site question. The Mayor pointed out that if the Minister replies unfavourably to the Council’s inquiry the latter would know that the Redoubt Street site is definitely out of consideration. The mover agreed to add to his motion that the conference be held when r. reply is received from the Justice Department. On being seconded, the motion was put to the meeting and carried without dissent.