A CURIOUS CLOCK

Evening Star, Issue 20057, 24 December 1928, Page 6

A CURIOUS CLOCK

CHURCH SERVICE AND MILITARY REVIEW A marvellous clock figured among the most noteworthy exhibits at the Vilmi (Poland) regional exhibition, and was the centre of particular interest and attention. At first sight, tile clock, which has the appearance of the exterior of. a cathedral (says a contributor to the Newcastle ‘Weekly Chronicle ’), docs not attract unusual attention beyond an interest in the careful detail of the work, which is usually found in efforts of amateurs who carry out patient work as a hobby; but at given times—which can be adjusted as required—this particular clock works out its wonders. The dials of the clo;k appear on the belfries, which arc provided with bolls on which the hours and half-hours are regularly struck. These bells also ring for matins just as the front door of the cathedral is opened by a monk. The interior of the church is most carefully worked out in cjetail, and, while a monk lights the candles on the altar, a procession of monks file out from a side door and take their places in a double row of scats on either side of the sanctuary. Then the organ plays while the monks chant, and a priest at the altar carries out all the complicated evolutions of a celebrant saying Mass—all to time. After the service, which is correct to the minutest point, and when the monks have filed out of the church, a monk closes the front door. At a quarter to 11 figures, this time dressed as public and military officials, again appear, and take up places on tbe cathedral steps. At 11 o’clock precisely a figure of Marshal Pilsudski appears, and takes its stand in front of the cathedral door, while a band plays national airs, and a military review starts. Cavalry, artillery, and infantry file past, each to their own martial music, and every time colours pass by the marshal, is seen to raise his hand to the salute. By Ig o’clock the review is over, the marshal departs, and the crowd disperses. The clock is the work of M. Sobolewski, an amateur, who lias worked out every part of the intricate mechanism himself, and has devoted over thirty years to perfect his masterpiece. 1