Hokitika Clock Tower, War memorial clock tower in Hokitika, New Zealand
The Hokitika Clock Tower is a war memorial standing about 11 meters tall with four clock faces positioned in the center of a roundabout on the main road. The structure features turned columns with arches, iron columns in the belfry section, and a copper cupola at the top.
Built in 1903, the monument honors 130 local men who served in the Second Boer War. Mayor Henry Michel and Premier Richard Seddon were key supporters of its creation.
The monument displays the Latin motto 'Non sibi sed patriae', meaning 'Not for self, but for country', which was chosen through a public competition. This phrase reflects the values that the community wished to preserve in its memory of those who served.
The tower sits at the center of a roundabout on the main road, making it a handy landmark for getting your bearings around town. Its prominent location means it is easy to spot and reach from any direction.
The structure serves dual purposes as both a war memorial and a working town clock, with parts manufactured in Auckland and the clock mechanism imported from England. This combination of functions makes it practical as well as commemorative.
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