TO mark the completion of restoration works the Taree RSL Sub Branch conducted a rededication service for the Taree Memorial Clock on Wednesday February 10 at 11am.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Greater Taree City Council mayor Paul Hogan spoke of the history of the memorial and its long standing position of Anzac remembrance for the community.
The memorial was rededicated by Taree RSL sub-Branch chaplin reverend Chris Beal.
The now 91-year-old memorial clock was first erected at the intersection of Victoria and Manning Streets.
The foundation stone for the memorial was laid by the mayor Alderman W H Muldoon on about the April 20 1925 and on completion it was unveiled on Saturday June 6 1925 by Major General Cox.
In 1966 the council wished to relocate the clock to Fotheringham Park due to the Victoria Street upgrade and by June 1966 it was dismantled by the contractors Vittali Building Co of Taree.
The pieces of stone were numbered to facilitate the re-erection.
The opening of the clock in its new location in Fotheringham Park was on August 3, 1966.
The Taree RSL sub-Branch has been able to restore the Memorial Clock and its surroundings in conjunction with Greater Taree City Council through various grants, donations and in-kind support.
These works have included:
o Cleaning and restoration of the clock tower and surrounding plinth
o Works to reduce water damage to the base
o Placement of a new balustrade and repaint of existing balustrade and all metal work on the clock tower, minor works to repair the clock face
o Improved safe access to the memorial plinth
o Construction of a memorial walkway linking the clock memorial to the memorial columns as part of the Centenary of Anzac Commemoration and was dedicated on April 25 2015
Taree RSL undertook the project and funded the works for the replacement of the clock mechanism with assistance from NSW Veterans Department.
Sub-Branch senior vice president Darcy Elbourne said, "the memorial stands magnificently as it did on that day back in 1925 when it was unveiled Major General Cox.
"It is stands as a testimony to the service of common men - the ordinary soldier who volunteered, fought and laid down their lives. It remains as our public recognition point of the local loss and service - the memorial precinct tells their stories".
