STRANGEST CLOCK IN THE WORLD

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 3, 4 January 1940, Page 9

STRANGEST CLOCK IN THE WORLD

strangest clock in the world must be that in the campanile adjoining Messina Cathedral in Sicily, which was erected after the earthquake in 1908, writes Gordon Cooper in the New York Times. On one side is a most elaborate astronomical clock which gives every variety of information about the time and seasons. On the side of the bell-tower that faces the square there are seven storeys beneath the actual clock-face itself, which is of normal appearance. Immediately beneath the clock-face stands a huge, bright, gilt lion of ferocious appearance, gripping with one paw a standard and flag, and flanked by two large bells. Beneath the lion comes a similar gilded enormous cock, with an angel on either side of him, and two more bells. On the other storeys the figures are placed in recessed frames. In the first recess appears in the back centre the Virgin Mary; on her right and facing her is a figure holding a book towards her; on her left, one of the apostles. Below, there appears to be what might be a large rubbish chute, with a Roman soldier kneeling on either side. Down another story is an empty stage, and below it the figure of a skeleton holding a scythe, with a soldier on one side and a saint on the other. The last story presents two Roman chariots drawn by huge geese. The actual appearance of all these bright gilt figures is astonishing in itself, but it is nothing like the surprise one feels at the performance which is ftiven by them at midday.

As the clock strikes the hour, which appears to be done by one of the angels standing beside the clock the skeleton taps his scythe with each beat, and the figures of the soldier and saint in front of his pass round to the back and out of sight. The angel striking the bell pivots around on his waist. When the hour has struck, the lion starts wagging his head and shaking the standard. Then he gives three realistic roars which can be heard with ease some distance away. This part of the performance is possibly the most fantastic of all. After the lion has finished, the cock starts flapping his wings and, throwing back his head, gives three very realistic crows. The empty recess now shows a dove flying round and round, and the model of a church is seen to be rising from the ground. When it is completely in view, the dove disappears behind the scenes. At about the same time the chariots in the bottom storey proceed across their stage, disappearing and entering from the wings. * The daily performance Is ended by the Virgin Mary writing in the book held before her, after which the figure disappears, and there follow the twelve , apostles. Each makes a little bow as j he comes before the Virgin Mary, and then disappears. At the end the I Virgin Mary makes the sign of the cross with her right hand. There is, of course, a religious significance in each of the acts performed, and to the Sicilians there is no feeling of irreverence.