A Bell Street clockmaker has appealed a municipal fine after one of his workshop clocks rang thirty-one times shortly after midnight. The clockmaker says the repeated chimes were “diagnostic rather than celebratory.” His neighbours disagree. One resident told the Gazette: “The first twelve were understandable. The next twelve were irritating. The remaining seven felt personal.”
The appeal has already attracted unusual sympathy from other Bell Street clockmakers, although none has volunteered to let the clock spend the night in their own workshop. One neighbour has offered to testify, provided the hearing is held after he has caught up on sleep. A worn counting wheel has been blamed.
The clockmaker submitted a diagram of the mechanism along with a written statement confirming that the clock is now “deeply embarrassed.” Municipal officials have not confirmed whether mechanical embarrassment reduces a fine. The clock itself has been disconnected from its bell. It is currently displaying the correct time very quietly. Several neighbours have sent flowers.
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