Eric Thomas acquired the theodolite in the late 1920's. He bought it to Queenstown when he moved there in 1932 and placed it in the Galley Museum when he opened displays there in 1972-3.
Eric Thomas Galley Museum
![Eric Thomas Galley Museum Eric Thomas Galley Museum](https://aumuseums.com/sites/default/files/museum/T048.jpg)
Created by Mr. Eric Thomas. The main feature of the Gallery Museum is its Photographic collection dating from 1890's. It shows people and places on the west coast of Tasmania, with an extensive display on the mount Lyell diaster, which claimed 42 lives. Other displays include old lamps, silver china, coins, tools and hospital artefacts. Household items and clothing, right down to grandma's undies. There are 22 rooms to roam through with more to open in the future. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee (small donation) while watching video's on the west coast.
Items
Survey Instrument
Theodolite
Kerosene Flare (light, torch)
This flare was used by the Mt Bischoff Band around the early 1900's. The flares were carried during night performances or 2-3 would be placed around the band rotunda.
Sea Chest
Unknown
Arrived at Triall Harbour by ship, left at Triall Harbour Hotel and forwarded to a Mr Brown. Eric Thomas acquired the chest in the 1960's - it came from England.
Safety Helmet
At the last firing at the West Lyell Open Cut the then GM Mr Geoff Hudspeth placed his safety helmet (hard hat) on a ledge near where the firing took place. The hat disappeared but was found later in the day
Display
Mt Lyell Disaster 1912 - display
In October 1912, 42 men lost their lives when the pump house caught alight and many were entombed. The last bodies bought out in March 1913.