GISBORNE’S TOWN CLOCK.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 962, 7 August 1903, Page 2

GISBORNE’S TOWN CLOCK.

OFFICIAL CEREMONY,

There was a largo attendance in the vicinity of the Government Buildings yesterday afternoon to witness the starting of Gisborne’s town clock. The ceremony was fixed for two o'clock, and a -few minutes after that hour the scarlet ribbon that held the pendulum in suspension was cut in twain by the Mayoress, and the clock was sot going on its long journey. As a matter of fact, the hands of the clock were fixed at a few minutes to two, but it being seven minutos after that hour before the ribbon was cut, Gisborne’s town clock had to make a jump of ten minutes in order to gat up to the other docks of the colony. To its credit, be it said, it was equal to tho occasion, and the quarter was chimed almost to the tick. Prior to the ribboD Doing out His Worship tho Mayor made a few romarks to those assembled in the tower, and afterwards at the public' entrance of the' Post Office ho delivered a short and appropriate address. They had assembled that day, he said, to complete tho task they undertook some time ago to set in the tower of their now Post Office, a suitable clook. In order that they should got one that would keep good time and keep them all up to time they set about getting one of the best that was obtainable, and they had, he believed, got one which would fully meet their requirements. It was obtained from a firm recommended by Lord Grimthorpe, the great authority on clocks, who assured them that the firm, Messrs Joyce and Co., were the greatest makers of clocks in the Empire. They were the manufacturers of the great clock in the Sydney Post Office, which had a dial 15ft in diameter, and Gisborne’s clock was a son of that one. (Applause.) It was a glorious day, and long might the sun shine on the prosperous town of Gisborne. When they started on this project they enquired from the Government what amount of subsidy would be given, and the Poßtmaster-Genoral promised £ for £ up to £4OO. They had kept well within that mark. The clock had been erected locally. The Public Works engineer, Mr Armstrong, had undertaken the supervision of the erection of the time piece ; Mr Seym&ur, watchmaker, adjusted it, and saw to the fixing of it; Mr Davys had done the ironwork ; and Mr Little had superintended and assisted with the woodwork ; and all who might now inspect it would agree that it was a very good piece of work. The previous night it had proved satisfactory to Mr Seymour, who was very anxious to have it properly adjusted. “ There has been no official opening of the Post Office,” continued His Worship, but as our task is completed we felt as a Council that we should have some little ceremony before paying for it. We have the right to run tho clock for three months before makiog the final payment, but'we are prepared to pay at any time.” The clock here chimed the quarter, in sympathy with the speaker’s remarks. The Mayor smiled, and continued : “ You see it will remind some of those long-winded speakers how time goes. It is not many years ago since a two roomed cottage occupied the site of the Post Office, so you see how tho town has improved. The building is equal to anything of the kind in the colony for the size of the place. I hope that it will increase in numbers, and have a large population who will enjoy every happiness.” Continuing, the Mayor said that they were thankful t to the Government for assisting them to get the clock, and for the splendid Post Office, the official opening of which had not yet been made, but they hoped to havq the Postmaster-General here some day to fulfil his promise in connection therewith. The officers of the Department had been so much cramped before, and were ruining their health, that a larger building became absolutely necessary. He thanked all ‘ who had subscribed so generously to the clock. The town had raised £2OO for it 3 purchase. . The clock would remind them how fast time passed. Now the clook was going, they must try to keep up to its '■ time. His Worship referred to the services of the City Band, who on all occasions were ready to turn out. They werq going to have a little show of their own on Tuesday night next, and he was sure that the people, appreciating their good services, would give them a bumper house. He concluded by calling for three cheers* for the Postmaster-General, which were heartily given. “ I now, on your behalf,” said His Worship, “ hand the clock over to the Government to complete this beautiful building.” Three cheers were given for the Mayor and also for Mrs Townley, and the proceedings terminated,