Sandglasses

Sandglasses

The three sandglasses located on the centre Table of the Chamber are used to time the bells that are rung for divisions and quorums.

When a division is called in the House, a Clerk at the Table presses a button to ring the division bell, which calls Members to the House to vote. The bells usually ring for four minutes, except where another division is called immediately after the first, in which case the bell only rings for one minute. To time the bells, there are two four-minute sandglasses and a one-minute sandglass.

The sandglasses were made at the Australian National University’s scientific glass works. From time to time, they have to be checked and adjusted because the grains of sand are gradually worn down by rubbing against the glass. This can cause small changes to the accuracy of the timing.