THE TOWN CLOCK,

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13482, 23 July 1907, Page 7

THE TOWN CLOCK,

FURTHER EXPRESSION OF DIS-

SATrSFACTION.

The town clock came in for further criticism at the Borough Council meeting last evening. Mr A. L. Cooke wrote that the roof of the tower in which the town clock was placed leaked badly. Further, there was no ventilation and consequently the room was very damp and injurious to the clock. Councillor Collis moved that a copy of the letter should be forwarded to Mr Brockett who was in charge.

Councillor Pikett was of opinion that the Public Works Department would put the whole place in order. Councillor Bellringer said he was under the impression the Council had decided not to take over the charge of the . clock. If so, why thxs..letter ? The Mayor explained that, had the clock been allowed to -stop, there would have been an uproar, in the town. Therefore arrangements had been made to have it wound and generally looked after. Councillor Bellringer was strongly opposed to the Council taking it over / at present as it was far from being satisfactory. It would be a mistake not to refuse to take the clock over even if it was allowed to stop for a while. The Council would find itself saddled with an expensive luxury. He had no hesitation in saying that several improve* ments could be effected by the Department if it chose. He had seen the way the bells were hung and it was very apparent to anyone they were hung in an unsatisfactory manner, hanging too close to the floor. Further, some useless work had been done in the interior of the tower : r and fetter results would have been obtained, had it been carried out in a less costly manner. He should oppose the resolution untrl they got an answer to that passed at the previous meeting of the Council. After further discussion the motion of Councillor Collis was carried. At a later stage the town clock was again the subject of discussion, the Electric Light Committee reporting that the charge ior illuminating the clock "would be £20 per annum. The Committee also informed the Council that the light to the clock had not yet been connected directly with the CounI cil's mains. In reply to Councillor Bellringer. Councillor Browne said the charge of £20 was for the clock to remain lighted all night. j Several members thought this was unnecessary, and it was suggested that the light be shut off a^t midnight. Councillor Bellringer did not think the CouncD should be paying for the light, and he asked, if the charge % now submitted was on the understanding that electricity was to be consumed all night, what would be the 'charge if 't was shut off at, midnight? ; Councillor Browne said the Council was not yet paying for the lighting of the clock, as the wires had not been connected with their, mains. Councillor Pikett said the current was now going through the Postal Department's meter, but the charge would be submitted to the Council. It had been made perfectly clear to him that the Council Lad to pay the full amount for lighting the clock from the second week after it had been set going. If the Council wanted to have the clock in darkness, they only wanted to pass a resolution disclaiming responsibility for the cost of lighting, and the wires would soon be disconnected.

Eventually, Councillor Mills moved that the clock should be connected with the Council's mains and illuminate-J until 1.30 a.m., and that the matter of charge be referred back to the committee. After further discussion, thi3 course was adopted.

Later the Mayor raised the question of the striking power of tho, clock, and moved that the Minister who ordered the clock (Sir Joseph Ward) be asked to obtain for the Council an expert report as to whether it was possible to make improvements. He had information showing that the chimes could be heard for a distance of two miles outside the town, and yet here in town they could not be heard. Councillor Bellringer felt satisfied a considerable improvement would be effected if the bells were raised a little.

Councillor Collis informed the Council that the bells could be heard at Omata, which was four miles away. The Mayor's motion was carried.