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TPBTPBTP

While I was thoroughly enjoying an idle meander around the Social Security and Village Museum in Kurow on South Island, my attention was drawn to the implement pictured above.  The curator confirmed what the label says - nobody seems to know what it is.

I immediately thought of the Company of Truckshunters, amongst whom there are several people who are good with their hands (as it were) and who therefore should be able to shed some light into this mysterious corner of kiwi local history.

I can be of no real help, except to say that the museum is mostly concerned with the men who built the two large local dams and also brought the railway to central South Island.  The thing itself is about a foot (30cm) long and is made of metal throughout.

I've promised the museum's very friendly guardians that someone of my acquiantance must know what this thing was used for.

Prove me right - please.  If you don't, my reputation in Kurow will be in shreds.

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I have sent Mauricio our collective best wishes and hopes that his tonsil problem will soon be cured.

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