A CLOCK FOR THE TOWN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 351, 8 February 1881, Page 2

A CLOCK FOR THE TOWN.

Some few months ago we advocated in these columns the purchase of a clock for the town by public subscription, and the erection of the same in the tower of the Catholic Church. Wo have now much pleasure in returning to the subject again, more especially as we have heard that the question lias been favorably entertained by a number of residents. In our former article wo pointed out that the question might to be looked at in a public spirit, and not in a religious one. The matter of a clock placed in the tower of the church will not enhance its value, nor will it add much to its already imposing appearance ; therefore we think the public should look at it in its proper light, and avail themselves of the liberal offer. We think it would not be out of place to ask the Road Board to subscribe towards it. As the clock, which is intended to strike every quarter of an hour, would undoubtedly benefit the whole district, they could not reasonably refuse to grant a small sum towards it; and we think our member might fairly be requested to ask the Government to give a small sum towards it also. The Government gave Timaru something like £3OO for a clock. Surely, then, it would not be too much to ask say £25 for the same purpose for this district. The advantages of a public clock are so numerous, and admitted on all sides, that we feel sure there is no occasion for us to dwell on the same ; but the opportunity that we now have of securing a prominent position, besides the use of the large bel for striking purposes, may never occur again, as we are given to understand that once the bells are erected, all hopes of a clock in that quarter may be abandoned. As there appears to be some slight misun-

derstanding in the matter, we might state that the bells, now on the way, are not to bo subscribed for by the public, hut the Rev. Father Fauvel is willing to allow the clock to be connected with the main hell, which weighs 11001 b. It will be seen, therefore, that a most liberal offer is made, and if the public fail to appreciate it, all we have to say is at some future time they may have cause to regret their apathy in the matter. There cannot be a doubt that a clock, placed in so prominent a position, would be a great boon to the district, as well as the travelling public, and for this reason alone do we advocate for the same. We might point out also that the fact of having such a clock would be a proof that the district is advancing, and probably be the means of attracting more attention to the place, as there is no doubt persons, on passing through by rail, would be struck with the fact that the district was held by persons with some go in them, and probably cause them—who knows —to direct their attention to the district. To conclusion, we might state that it is estimated that a clock with four dials can be had, and placed in position, for about £l5O. It might also be mentioned that to purchase and erect a clock in any other part of the town, it would take fully £4OO. It is therefore decidedly to the advantage of the place to accept the offer, and have a clock for the district as early as possible. For this purpose we would again suggest that some of our leading residents should take the matter in hand, and devise means for raising the required amount.

To give our readers some idea of the proposed clock, &c, f we. have ascertained the following particulars The clock will be placed 60 feet from the ground. It will have four dials, each dial being four feet diameter. The hands will measure two feet long and two inches wide. The dials will be white, and the hands black. The docs will strike every fifteen minutes, and will be heard, on a still night, at a distance of five miles. Before striking, a boom, like the report of a cannon, will take place. The hour, quarters, and halfhour, will be recognised by one one stroke for fifteen minutes, two for thirty minutes, and three for forty-five minutes- The difference in the sound of the hours and quarters will easily be discernable.