There was another exciting day at the Hokitika Museum on Friday when NZ Defence Force personnel visited to examine an explosive device donated to the Hokitika Museum in 1978.
Staff found a record that said there was “an unexploded WW1 Gallipoli missile” (1914/1918) in the collection. Staff immediately located the item, contacted the Hokitika police who in turn contacted the team who deal with incendiary device disposal. The device was checked next day to see if it was safe to leave at the museum.
NZDF carefully checked the device and luckily it had been deactivated at some time and was empty of shrapnel and gunpowder. Museum Project Leader Judith Taylor said “This is another example of the wonders and dangers of museum collections that contain many fascinating historical items along with some hazards and toxic items. These can be souvenirs from a time where there was less regulation around accepting imports and storing hazardous items.” An anti-tank projectile was also checked out and found safe. More research will be done by the NZDF because the Gallipoli projectile is an unusual one.
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