THE TOWN CLOCK

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXI, Issue 2778, 21 November 1931, Page 5

THE TOWN CLOCK

QUESTION OF RE-ERECTION. "CAN EXPECT NOTHING MORE." PRIME MINISTER'S STATEMENT. ". . .It does not appear to my colleague that anything more can reasonably be expected, and he • therefore regrets that he is unable to accede to the request that the Government should assist in reerectinig the clock." The above is an extract from a letter received by the Lambiidge Power Board at its meeting on Thursday. It will be remembered that a short time ago the Power Board communicated with the Prime Minister requesting that some assistance bo given towards the erection of the clock in another suitable position and the following is the full reply received from Mr Forbes and dated November 4*h:— "With reference to your representations regarding the demolition of the clock tower on the post office building at Cambridge and urging that the Government contribute towards the cost, of erecting the clock in another position, I have mc : ved advice from the Ho.*, the Postmaster General to the effect that both matters have already been very fully dealt with, and the decision to dispense with the tower was come to only after very careful consideration. "I understand that the equity of the department in the clock is valued at least £3OO, ami as the cost of dismantling the clock and bells is being borne by the Post and Telegraph partment and the clock is being handed over to the Borough Council it does not appear to my colleague that anything more can reasonably be expected, and therefore he regrets that he is unable to accede to the request- that the Government should assist in re-erecting the clock."

■ In discussing the matter Mr T. A. Hicks said that tho final word seemed to have been said in the matter of a subsidy or assistance. Mr J. S. Fisher was not satisfied with the position, and expressed the opinion that a protest should be made to the Prime Minister noting with regret that the Borough Council had no further claim on the Government and that the question should be given further consideration. Mr Fisher moved in that direction.

The chairman, Mr Mervyn Wells, suggested that an invitation be extended to-the Prime Minister to visit Cambridge and see tho position for himself, also that the Postmaster-General be communicated with on the same linos. There had been too much "leg-pulling" in Wellington, said Mr Wells, and he felt sure that the matter would be given a different complexion if a personal inspection were made.

This was considered a good move, and Mr Fisher added it to his motion, which was passed.