LANDMARK DOOMED

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1929, Page 6

LANDMARK DOOMED

CHRISTCHURCH CLOCK TOWER. Christchurch, Sept. 17. The old familiar land mark in Christchurch, the clock tower, at the inter-, section of High and Manchester Streets, is to be removed, the City Council haying so decided last night. The tower abuts into Manchester Street and seriously interferes with the control of traffic at this busy- intersection where Lichfield Street also crosses, but it is more especially to traffic going north along Manchester Street that the tower is a decided obstruction. Erected as a memorial of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, the tower was placed in its present position in 1897. It was originally imported. : by the Provincial Government of Canterbury in 1859, and subsequent to the abolition of provincial government. Sir George Grey presented it to thd City of Christchurch, with whose money it was originally purchased, and the clock, for many years later did duty in the Provincial Council Chambers, the tower meantime lying in the City ..Council’s yard. Its erection on the present site, was the result of the efforts of. a few . enthusiasts, who raised £5OO, which was ■subsidised by the council. The' dock' was first sent Home to be thoroughly renovated, and a set of chimes, added to it. Now the tower will return, to the council’s yard. .■■