THE JUBILEE CLOCK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6133, 21 March 1898, Page 2

THE JUBILEE CLOCK.

Information has been received concerning the clock which was sentjto London to be overhauled and made up-to-date for the purpose of being placed in the clock tower. A. tender for additions, improvements, and renov«afcions, was accepted in January, and the work is being executed by Messrs John Moore and Sons, the firm that originally made the clock forty yearß ago. The workings are being entirely remodelled, and the alterations required are somewhat extensive, but yet necessary. The old dials have been found quite unsuited for illuminating. The committee, therefore, cabled instructions , for new ones to be supplied. The antiquated hands have also been discarded. The question of bells suitable for the chimes has required much consideration. A peal of five of the old-fashioned kind was first decided upon, and the tenor alone was to weigh scwt. Further investigation, however, caused the agents to cancel that order, and they have now chosen the kind known as " hemispherical bells," fixed on a steel bar in an oak frame and resembling- in shape so many toilet basins upside down. They are said to' produce a sound equal to the old style of bells of double' their weight. The following are the diameters, notes, and weights of the bells to be used:—

The makers consider this the greatest weight of bells that can be used without unduly straining the workings of the block, and causing it to get out of repair. The hour will be, struck on the largest bell with a heavier hammer than those used in the. chiming apparatus, and will give the effect somewhat of an additional bell. The bells are being supplied by Messrs Warner and Sons, who also cast those used with the great clock' in the tower of the Houses of Parliament, London. As the bell sent to London with the clock could not be used in the chimes, Messrs Warner and Sons have taken it, and will make an allowance for it. It is expected that the whole work will be completed and ready for shipment about the end of April or early in May. I A fountain and four handsome gas lamps for the tower have also been ordered by the committee. All this means expense, and those who, promised subscriptions, to the committee should band them in as. soon as possible to ianyrinember of the conimittee, pr. |p Mr S. Manning, the treasurer, Bedford Row. Further donations from anyone witting to assist will also be received with thanks, as the committee has not funds equal to the amount they undertook to. provide.

Incites. cwt. qr. lb. 21* A ... 1 1 M 23 G ... 1 2 0 25 F ... 1 3 H 31 C ... 2 3 0 34 ... . ... Bb ... 3 1 U Total weight ... 10 3 . 14