There have always been sporadic parking problems here because of the holiday influxes, but now there's an everyday need for something to be done about a place to park those cars.

The present council will throw a scare into Horton Street - and into the community - if there is any seriousness in its intention to discuss the abolition of central parking in the main shopping block of the town.

The written minute that it intended to do so seemed to come as much of a shock to the aldermen as it will to the people generally.

There's no denying central parking is dangerous. It is something that must be tolerated - at least for the time being - and can't be done without.

It would be assumed all round in the town that if the council was going to abolish something that is as essential to the well-being of the community as that strip of parking space in the centre of the main street, it would first set up an alternative.

The present council has set itself a rather formidable task, but one that has to be tackled.

Public apology

We would like to extend to all persons concerned a public apology for any inconvenience caused by our advertisements in the PM News on 28/2/63 and 7/3/63. In these ads we said, in good faith, that the ABC TV relay station at Newcastle would be opening at the end of March.

However, on latest information received the opening date has been postponed until late April, owing to a delay in the delivery of technical equipment.

If in trying to help you keep up-to-date with the latest developments in TV for this area we have caused any undue worry or concern again please accept our sincere apologies.

Yours faithfully, ST. CLAIR & LEICHT

Another wind for Town Clock

The hands of the town clock were set back to zero hour again on Monday night when the Municipal Council agreed on a further inspection to decide whether or not a lowered town clock should be erected beneath the power lines, and in front of Reed’s shop in Horton Street. 

The clerk: Do you want the WASPS there? The aldermen: No.

The WASPS – Women’s Agricultural Security Production Service – raised money during the war and gave it to the council towards a town clock; their fund now totals £896. The balance needed, and indecision regarding site, have held the clock up so far.

The clerk, Mr W.G. Alcock, reported to Monday night's meeting: Although council has agreed several times to proceed with the project, no progress has been made for the following reasons:

(a) reluctance to provide the additional amount of £1100 which it is estimated would be required;

(b) difficulties in selecting a suitable site.

The last site selected at the corner of William and Horton Streets would necessitate the removal of mains and one pole at an estimated cost of £1,328, and as a result no further progress has been made.

However, if the clock tower is at least two feet lower than the power lines, the above work would not be necessary.