Surviving ‘friendly fire’ from Flit gun

Jim Carnell of Waiuku was lucky to survive not only internment by the Japanese during World War II but also “friendly-fire” from an American armed with a sprayer similar to the one featured as last month’s Coast & Country mystery item.

“We would fill the tanks at the head of the gadget. The insecticide “Flit” - was the brand name – came from the grocer. When the handle on the sprayer was pumped firmly, air blasted from a small hole across the top of the thin tube rising up from the reservoir, drawing the liquid up and spraying it as directed. Then the room was left for a time, overnight for us, and the flies and other insects would be swept off the lino and disposed of in the kitchen range (no vacuums cleaners for us humble cockies).”

Robin Moore of Waihi says the sprayer was the fore-runner of today’s pressurised aerosol insect sprayers.
This month’s mystery item comes from the Te Aroha and District Museum and really is a mystery. Museum administrator Jan Emerton says researchers have been unable to find out what it is, but would appreciate suggestions from Coast & Country readers.

If you think you know what it is or have a story to tell about using such a device, or seeing one used we love to hear from you – and you could be in to win a visit for two to the Te Aroha and District Museum.

Send your entry to: elaine@thesun.co.nz or post to: Mystery Item, Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than October 17.

The winner will be announced in Coast & Country’s November issue.

The Te Aroha and District Museum is in the domain in the town’s main street, Whitaker Street.  It is open seven days a week from midday to 3pm in winter and 11am to 4pm from Labour Weekend until Easter, and other times by appointment.


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