Port Macquarie Women's Agricultural Security Production Service Clock

About

This clock tower is a tall square column, made from sandstone and surmounted with a four-sided clock. The sides of the column are fluted. It commemorates those who served in the Women's Agricultural Security Production Service (WASPS) during the Second World War. They are entitled to wear the 'Civilian Service Medal 1939-45' for their contribution to Australia's war effort. The clock was designed by architect Mr R. Lightfoot, who also designed the Port Macquarie Civic Centre. In April 1943, it was agreed to form a branch of the WASPS for for the area and the Town Clerk, Mr C.T. Chapman, was instructed to enrol members at the Council Chambers. Several meetings were held and by July, 600 girls were enrolled in the organisation (Port Macquarie News, 24 April 1943; 10 July 1943). The women worked on agricultural activities such as crop picking and also raised funds for the erection of a clock for the town and to contribute to a new hospital. By August, a goal of 500 pounds was set and it was decided to also seek funds from the public towards what was referred to as the 'WASPS Town Clock and the Ambulance Building Fund' (Port Macquarie News, 12 April 1946. 9 August 1946).  The Port Macquarie WASPS branch disbanded around May 1947 (Port Macquarie News, 9 May 1947). A committee was appointed for the clock fund and was instructed to co-operate with the Municipal Council. Planning for the memorial clock picked up in September 1947, when details were provided to the council. The price for a clock with a four foot dial on each side was 269 pounds. The same clock with chimes, amplifiers and strikes was 538 pounds. The design submitted by Mr Lightfoot was for 1,000 pounds, for a 30 foot tower with the dial of the clock to be 24 feet above the ground (Port Macquarie News, 12 September 1947). No action was taken until early 1949, until Mrs St. Clair, president of the WASPS, asked if the project could go ahead as planned. It was agreed at a council meeting that action should be taken (Port Macquarie News, 14 January 1949). Further delays occurred and at a meeting held on 29 April 1950 of the Parks Committee, discussion took place concerning the location of the clock. The Main Roads Department expressed concern about the size of the base of the clock in the main street. Mr Lightfoot was to be asked whether he could adjust his designs to meet the requirements of the department (Port Macquarie News, 4 May 1950). It is unknown when the clock was completed or unveiled.