Richard Gardner

Richard Gardner a volunteer at the Naval Historical Society of Australia sent us this week’s photograph for identification.

The photograph shows HMAS SYDNEY moored at Queen’s Wharf, Port Adelaide, Australia in the 1920’s.

The time-ball which was set up on the Harbor’s Board building's dome on the corner of Lipson Street and operated from 1920 until 1932 can be seen in the background. In addition to the Harbor Board time-ball, a time-ball was set up on the port's Semaphore tower built in 1875.

Although the time-ball ceased operating in 1932, the tower still stands. The time- ball was restored and returned to operation at the turn of the century but has not operated for some time.

Further information on http://www.flickr.com/photos/41311545@N05/5453413808/ We’re grateful Dr Roger Kinns for helping us to answer Richard’s query.

We’re still waiting for details of the damage caused to the New Zealand time-ball station by the Lyttelton earthquake. Station manager Jan Titus came to Edinburgh a few years ago to visit the Nelson Monument.

Photograph courtesy of the Royal Australian Navy.