Thames Star SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1936. A TOWN CLOCK NEEDED.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 19851, 31 October 1936, Page 2

Thames Star

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1936. A TOWN CLOCK NEEDED.

"With fnallc* toward* none; with charity for all; with firmnwi in the right, as God gives us to sea the right."—Lincoln.

We publish to-day « suggestion .hat Thames should mark the occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty King Edward VIII. by the erection of a town clock and tower. It is fitting that such an august occasion as the Coronation should be commemorated by some memorial. Particularly does that statement apply in this instance, as this is the first time in history when the British Sovereign becomes King of each of his Dominions as a separate entity from his title as King of Great Britain and Ireland. At his Coronation next May, for the first time, the Prime Minister of New Zealand will pay homage to the Sovereign on behalf of the peoples jof the Dominion. Previously, it was the function of the Prime Minister of Great Britain to do this on behalf of the whole Empire, but under the new status of Commonwealth of Nations, each self-governing unit of our vast Empire will have the privilege of attending the ceremony in Westminster Abbey, and offering fealty on behalf of his own peoples. Thus, this Coronation, from the Dominion's point of view, is of greater importance than those which have preceded it. That being so, it is only reasonable to expect that a town of the growing importance of Thames will contemplate taking some steps to permanently record the great event. We have put forward the suggestion for a clock tower, because, properly designed and constructed of the right material, mid erected in a prominent place, such a structure would enhance the appearance of the town, and the chiming clock would be a perpetual reminder of the event it represented. Further, the suggestion does not involve a great outlay of money—its cost would not run to more than £2OOO at the most—but its value as a useful and ornamental amenity to the town would far transcend its monetary value. Erected in Pollen Street, at the southern corner of Sealey Street, opposite the proposed new Imperial 'Hotel, the clock tower would reflect the civic pride of all concerned and considerably enhance the appearance of the main thoroughfare. Wo understand that a chiming clock, which was recently replaced by a new clock at the Wellington Town Hall, is procurable at a reasonable figure, which would reduce the

amount required considerably. Of late Thames has shown commendable pride in its appearance. The business community is vastly improving*the standard of its shop fronts, and the work already done, and in training by the Beautifying Society is worthy of all praise. Now that the civic consciousness has been stirred, it is surely opportune to suggest that, we go one step further as a town, and celebrate the Coronation by the setting up of a handsome clock tower in the heart of the business area. If three residents of Thames made the trip to London to view the Coronation they would spend between them about the amount which would pay the cost of such a structure, but if everyono in the Borough contributes a little, there is no doubt the idea could bo translated into reality. We make no apology, therefore, in placing the suggestion before the citizens, and trust that, at least earnest consideration will be given to it before it is rejected. The ways and means of financing such a project do not come under our province. It will be for the Councillors, the Chamber of Commerce and similar bodies to give a lead in this direction. Wo have put forward tlie suggestion, and the motive power for its fulfilment must, be generated by the citizens themselves.