THE Waikato Independent. THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 1906.

Waikato Independent, Volume V, Issue 319, 3 January 1907, Page 4

THE Waikato Independent. THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 1906.

The Chamber of Commerce is to be congratulated on the success of its efforts in getting the Government to reconsider its decision not to provide a clock tower in the new post office. The thanks of the community are also due to Mr Greenslade, for his powerful assistance in support of the suggestion made by the Chamber of Commerce. The decision arrived at by the PostmasterGeneral, as will have been noticed, is that his Department will expend £SOO in erecting a clock tower, and pay £3OO, half cost of a chiming clock, provided that the residents find the remaining £3OO. • It is also significantly pointed out that the erection of the clock tower entirely depends upon whether the residents are willing to subscribe the £3OO, and that this information must be received without delay. Now, there is a somewhat musty adage about the unwisdom of looking a gift horse in the mouth, but so far as we can ascertain there is no such intention in the present case. In fact, we believe the heartiest satisfaction is felt in Cambridge at the Postmaster-Gene-ral s liberal offer. The only questions raised are as to the best methods to be adopted to obtain the money. The concensus of opinion appears to he that the Cambridge Borough Council should at once call a special meeting, and consider the advisability of voting £IOO towards the cost of the clock; that subscription lists should be started, with the object of enlisting the financial support of the public. W'e understand that, with these objects in view, the executive of the Chamber of Commerce will meet to-night, when the whole matter will be discussed. What we wish to point out is the urgent necessity of taking prompt action, for “if it Avere done it Avere well it were done quickly.” A committee should be appointed, subscription lists prepared, and canvassers selected to go round and collect subscriptions at once. This is an unique occasion, Avhich touches the pride of us all, in our regard for Cambridge, and Avill prove that our local patriotism is something more than lip service. Nor have we a scintilla of doubt that Cambridge will fail to rise to the occasion, in a manner worthy of its highest traditions. Already the best feelings haA'e been expressed towards the proposal, and many residents haA 7 e intimated their eagerness to subscribe. This is the truest expression of local patriotism, and avc feel sure

ifc will he the feeling of most people ui the Cambridge district. The now post office, with the additions to be made, should not only ho a handsome building and an ornament to the town, hut the clock will ho a boon to ail who come within the sound of its chimes. At present there is no means locally of knowing what is the correct time of the day. By means of the post office clock this really long felt want will he supplied. Nor will it be in Cambridge alone that the clock will supply this demand, for we understand that it will be similar to the one in Auckland, whose chimes are heard for miles around. The benefit of this to farmers and others living near Cambridge is obvious, and we believe that they, with their usual generosity, will show their appreciation of the fact by subscribing to the funds. The project, therefore, is one which appeals to us all, both for the benefits we shall receive and from the standpoint of local patriotism. Let us hope, therefore, that everyone in the community will heartily support the proposal and subscribe to it generously. For ourselves, we have full faith in their doing so, and trust that, in a short time hence, we may have the pleasure of recording that the full amount has been subscribed.'