[1] It was not until 1867, following pressure from shipowners, that the Otago Provincial Council decided to install a time ball on the existing flagstaff on top of Observation Point.
A conductor has been laid from the Observatory to the Flagstaff, which being attached to the haulyards by a simple arrangement, the ball is dropped instantaneously by the signal master.
Regular notices such as the following appeared in the local newspapers to announce the operation of the time ball: PORT CHALMERS OBSERVATORY.
[3] By that same year the time ball had fallen into disrepair, and as fewer vessels were visiting port the need for its service was waning, so its original function was discontinued.
[3][4] The ball continued to be used until 1931 to warn local fishermen of high seas off Taiaroa Head and of shipping coming down the Upper Otago Harbour from Dunedin.
[7] In 2019 the Port Chalmers Historical Society agreed to support a proposal by a small group of its members to reinstate a time ball on the existing flagstaff.
This group consisting of Garry Bain, Warner Gardiner, Norman Ledgerwood, and Harold Woods, raised $50,000 to install a replacement time ball.
The new 120 kg time ball made from marine-grade stainless steel and its operating mechanism were designed, manufactured, and installed by Stark Bros Ltd of Lyttelton.
[3] The original clock that operated the time ball is housed in the collection of the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum in Dunedin.