Scientific heritage on display at Timeball

17 April 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

Scientific heritage on display at Timeball

Timeball Station in Lyttelton is a perfect example of this year’s theme of World Heritage Day - science and heritage combining – says the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT).

The aim of World Heritage Day, which will be celebrated on Saturday, is to raise public awareness of heritage and the efforts required to protect and conserve it. NZHPT, as New Zealand’s leading heritage agency, takes care of 48 heritage sites as well as providing policy advice and expertise on a range of heritage issues.

NZHPT’s mission is to promote the identification, protection, preservation and conservation of our historical and cultural heritage.

NZHPT Heritage Destinations Manager Paul McGahan said Timeball Station – owned by NZHPT and open daily from 10am to 5.30pm - showcases the value and importance in preserving heritage landmarks.

“Buildings like Timeball Station are windows to our past that the public can visit and appreciate. They are historical landmarks to be enjoyed, appreciated and touched.

“Timeball Station is a rare piece of maritime history. At 1pm each day the ball is dropped, providing a wonderful opportunity for the public to come and see how science has helped shape our lives.”

Timeball Station, an example of Victorian scientific technology, is believed to be one of only five in the world still in working order. From 1876 to 1934 a ball dropped from its mast on its stone tower, signalling the time to ships in Lyttelton Harbour. Visual time signals were necessary to correct ships' chronometers and ensure accurate navigation. In 1934 use of the timeball was replaced by radio signals.

The Lyttelton timeball was the third in New Zealand, the others being Wellington (1864) and Dunedin (1868), but the only one remaining.

McGahan said recent maintenance work on Timeball Station was part of the process in preserving heritage buildings.

“These landmarks are really like works of art in their own right. The purpose of Timeball might have shifted over the years, but that’s the point, heritage buildings can change and remain of value to the community.”

NZHPT has recognised several scientific heritage sites on its National Register, including the Category I Timeball Station. Other registered sites include the Dominion and Carter Observatories in Wellington, the Old Dairy Farm in Palmerston North and Invermay Agriculture Research Centre in Wingatui.

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