Town Hall clock stops again
Many people feel the Town Hall clock is an 'icon' of Ladysmith, having been there since the historic Siege of Ladysmith during the Anglo-Boer War
Time has once again come to a standstill in Ladysmith… That is if you believe the reading on the Town Hall clock.
Everyone who frequents the CBD will have noticed that the clock has stopped ticking again. An article was published in the Ladysmith Gazette on Friday, July 19, last year after the clock had been at a standstill for a long period of time. The clock started working soon after, and everyone felt they were part of the 21st century once again. However, the Dark Ages have returned, with the hour and minute hands stuck at XXXXXX.
“What is the story with the Town Hall clock? Someone got into gear and fixed it awhile back, so why don’t they do it again and do it right this time so it doesn’t grind to an embarrassing halt. Is it really that difficult to keep up with the times?” quipped one annoyed businessman in town.
Another Ladysmith resident commented that, “This is such a bad reflection on our town. We’re a big joke to everyone who drives through the CBD.”
Lots of people are questioning the logistics behind fixing the clock and how difficult it really is. “If the municipality is finding it hard, they should employ a repair man or install an electronic clock in place of the existing one,” suggested one frustrated businessman. “The clock should be ticking all the time, otherwise what’s the use of even having it there?” he added.
Tourists visit Ladysmith on a daily basis and this is the sight that greets them; a clock that is correct twice a day and never moves. Many people feel the Town Hall clock is an ‘icon’ of Ladysmith, having been there since the historic Siege of Ladysmith during the Anglo-Boer War. The fact that it doesn’t work seems like an insult when looking back at Ladysmith’s rich historical heritage.
At the time of going to press, the municipality had not commented on the matter.
