GRANDFATHER CLOCK.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4766, 20 October 1924, Page 2

GRANDFATHER CLOCK.

FROM WEMBLEY EXHIBITION. MR. G. H. VOWLES’ PURCHASE. During the recent visit of Mr G. H. Vowles, Thames Road, Paeroa, to England he purchased a George 111. model of a grandfather clock, which was one of seven at the Wembley Exhibition. Mr Vowles had the clock sent forward to New Zealand some time before he left England, and it was delivered to his house a few days ago. Unfortunately, the steamer Orari, on which it was shipped, met with * heavy gale in the Atlantic, and some heavy seas were shipped and the salt water, found its way into the hold in which the clock was located. As <•. result, on unpacking it was found that the sea water had found its way into the case, and the veneer work on the front of the clock has been badly damaged, and it is feared that some of the mechanism has also been spoilt. This handsome piece of furniture is an entirely British-made grandfather chiming clock, encased in solid mahogany, with artistic floral inlaid panels of Sheraton design. The oval front is of bevelled glass, showing nine Harrington tubes. On either side are Corinthian capped’ - piljars and scroll pediment. The dial Is of heavy brass, with silvered circle and gilt raised Arabic numerals, arched top with chime and regulator circles. Included in the mechanical portion is a dead beat escapement and gilt weights. A specially adjusted pendulum built on scientific principles to ensures accurate time-keeping. The clock chimes Westminster chimes every quarter of the hour, and strikes each hour on extra large and deeptoned tubes. The height of the clock is 7ft 6in. The cost of the purchase to Mr Vowles landed at Auckland was just on £lOO, and it is particularly unfortunate that it should be damaged, especially in view of it being the only one of its kind in the Dominion.