THE FIRE BELL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1685, 13 March 1917, Page 3

THE FIRE BELL.

ITS REMOVAL INSISTED UPON. A MORE ORNATE STRUCTURE WANTED. In discussing the Town Clerk’s report at last night’s Council meeting re the removal of the lire hell and tower, Cr Coley said he did not agree with the Town Clerk’s opinion (hat (he structure would have to be dismantled. The Town Clerk gave his reasons, with which Cr Coley differed, and informed the. Clerk that he (Cr Coley) -was on tlie Council to tell (he Clerk what to do, not to be dictated to by the Clerk. The telegraph wires could be raised if necessary to enable the removal of the structure. Cr Henderson said it was ridiculous id shift the structure to a more prominent position. His idea was that a band rotunda should be erected iu conjunction with the tower which would be an ornament to the town, and which could be used for public ceremonies. He objected to its removal unless it was made more ornate. Cr. Stevenson was of opinion that the structure was not worth removing. Cr Bryant said (he Council should allow the structure to remain until it fell down. The Mayor, in reply to Cr Mcy‘oil, said the Works Committee recommended that the structure be removed, which was adopted by the Council, and the Town Clerk’s duty was to have passed the instructions on to the workmen. The bell should be removed further away from the Hall, as its ringing during a performance might create a panic. Cr Thompson urged its removal.

Gr Golev said Cr Bryant was one of those wbo believed in letting things fall to pieces, and yet he told Hie people wbal a progressive man he was. A steel frame for the bell could be purchased for about £lO. It was dually moved Iha 1 a new structure he ('reeled for the lire bell, and its erection be left iu the bauds of the Works Committee with [tower to act. The motion was carried. Gr Bryant objecting.