SUNDIAL DAMAGED

Waipa Post, Volume 41, Issue 3220, 1 November 1930, Page 4

SUNDIAL DAMAGED

IN ST. JOHN'S CHURCHYARD.

| An interested visitor to Te AwaI mutu yesterday was Mr James Stewart, of Invercargill, who is spending a holiday in Waikato. His chief parpose in coming to Te Awamutu was, as he said, to meet some of the old friends and associates of his the late Mr W. F. Y. Stewart, who for some years was postmaster here and a very prominent public man. Mr James Stewart made a visit to the Church of St. John to inspect the sundial presented about ten years ago by his brother as a memorial to the soldiers buried there and to those from this district who gave their lives in later wars. The visitor was grieved to find the sundial out of order, it having been interfered with by persons unaware of its delicate adjustment. The instrument, which is the work of Mr Stewart himself, having been presented to his brother and is adjusted to Te Awamutu time, has seemingly not been cared for in the manner expected when the presentation was made; but, in conversation with the vicar and churchwardens, an assurance was given Mr Stewart that better care will be given and steps taken to prevent unauthorised interference. Mr Stewart undertook to again adjust the sundial, and for this purpose he has taken it to Hamilton with him. At the same time he intends to equip it with a dual indicator to show standard time and " Sidey " time during the months that the latter system is observed. Speaking generally, the visitor said he was much impressed with Te Awamutu and its beautiful surroundings, and said the prosperous appearance of the town and neighbourhood was inspiring indeed.