HISTORIC DOCUMENT DISCOVERED IN NEW ZEALAND STATUE

THE NEW ZEALAND EARTHQUAKE HAS EXPOSED POTENTIALLY HISTORIC DOCUMENT HIDDEN INSIDE A 19th CENTURY STATUE THAT TOPPLED IN THE RECENT DISASTER. CHRISTCHURCH MAJOR BOB PARKER SAID TUESDAY THAT A HANDWRITTEN PARCHMENT IN A BOTTLE AND A SEALED COPPER CYLINDER BELIEVED TO CONTAIN DOCUMENTS WERE DISCOVERED INSIDE THE STATUE OF THE CITY'S FOUNDER. THE STATUE IS IN THE CITY'S MAIN SQUARE NEAR ITS HISTORIC CATHEDRAL. IT FELL DURING THE 22.FEBRUARY EARTHQUAKE THAT KILLED AT LEST 155 PEOPLE. MUSEUM EXPERTS WERE EXAMINING THE ITEMS. THEY APPEARED TO CONTAIN A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY'S FOUNDERS EXPRESSING THEIR VISION FOR IT. PARKER SAID: 'IT SEEMS ALMOST PROVIDENTIAL THAT THEY HAVE COME TO LIGHT NOW TO PROVIDE THE INSPIRATION WE NEED IN THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME.'