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The iconic paua shell collection at the Bluff home of the late Fred and Myrtle Flutey is reportedly no more after being packed up overnight.
Grandson Ross Bowen has ownership of the shells and he has been wanting to pass them onto the Canterbury Museum, despite pressure from some locals and family members to have them remain where they are.
Gloria Henderson, one of the Fluteys' daughters, lives next door to the paua house and says workmen pulled up in a truck last night, packed the shells in boxes through the night and then moved out at 5.45 this morning.
She said Ross Bowen was on site, along with her older sister and all they have left are the shells on the front verandah.
She suggested they have done this so people think the rest of the shells are still in the house.
Ms Henderson does not know where the shells are going and says she is devastated.
Canterbury Museum director Anthony Wright said he was unaware of the overnight development and said the Museum has not signed any agreement to take the collection.
- NEWSTALK ZB
