On Clocks

New Zealand Listener, Volume 1, Issue 23, 1 December 1939, Page 34

On Clocks

Quite recently, when the workmen were busy doing improvements outside Canterbury Cathedral, one of the jobs they had to do was to lower the cloister garden to its old level. In the course of the digging, the workmen found what has been called the oldest watch in the world. This was a saxon pocket sundial, dating from the tenth century.. This is now one of the most treasured possessions of the Cathedral. It consists of a tablet of silver with a gold cap and chain. A gold pin, with an animal head with jewelled eyes, was inserted in holes appropriate to the month, and by the shadow the pin cast, the Cathedral services were timed. All who find their way to our wonderful Exhibition, can see a sundial on the end of the Government Court. All visitors seek out this Court, because that is where the 2YA Exhibition Studio, and other fascinating attractions are to be found. The sundial was made by Mr. Osborne, an 83 year old resident of Christchurch, and is a copy in silver chromium of one seen by him whilst on a visit to England many years ago. The original sundial is on Dial House, Chipstead, Surrey, and it has on it the words "I Only Mark the Sunny Hours." The copy on the Government Court measures two feet wide by three feet deep, and after the Exhibition, it will be presented to one of the churches in Christchurch-From "What's the Time?" A recent talk by Ebor.