Sixty years ago, the RAAF replaced its conventional dial clocks with direct reading clocks to improve the efficiency of its air traffic control operations.
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The Minister for Air, Senator Wade, said that the new clocks, which cost £3700 at that time would be introduced at all major RAAF bases, including Butterworth, Malaya.
They would be used by air traffic control towers, control and reporting units and surface-to-air guided weapons units.
Direct reading clocks were in general use in all air traffic control facilities in the United States. Senator Wade said the main advantage direct reading clocks had over dial clocks was they they presented time time in hours and figures.
The conventional dial clocks were not highly accurate time-keepers and were subject to misinterpretation through parallax error.
The new equipment would be an invaluable aid to air traffic controllers in times of high density air traffic, Senator Wade said.
Meanwhile, a horse caught in a cattle grid on Tidbinbilla Road blocked traffic. Senior Constable Heugh arranged acetylene torches to cut the bars which trapped the horse.
A towing service was called to lift the horse from the grid with a crane.
The horse lost some blood but otherwise was none the worse for the incident.
See https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/14512282
