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Greymouth Evening Star, 6 February 1939, Page 4

Passable reproductions of ancient blunderbusses were formidable-looking exhibits in the Juvenile Court at Palmerston North, when three youths appeared before Mr. H. P. La.wry, S.M., on charges of discharging firearms, so as to annoy passers-by. Made at home, the weapons consisted of pieces of galvanised or brass piping on wooden mounts. Small rods were used to ram home the charges of black powder and pebbles, and the guns were fired by means of slow-burning fuses introduced into an aperture. Though commending the youths on their ingenuity, the Magistrate admonished them for indulging in a dangerous pastime. The weapons were confiscated, and they were forbidden to make any more.