This type of harpoon gun is one which would have been securely mounted on the bow of whaling boats. Until the early 20th century, whalers would hunt their prey using lances and handheld harpoon guns, meaning that their job would bring them remarkably close to the an imals in order to attack. During the 1920s, mounted harpoon guns and explosive tips were introduced to make the hunt and the kill far easier.

Mo st townships in New Zealand have a dedicated area of remembrance, and Picton is no different. The War Memorial Arch was constructed as part of the renovation of the foreshore and in honour of the men of the Queen Charlotte Sound who had been killed in ser vice during World War I between 1914 and 1918. Showing loyalty to the British Crown, men from all over the country were sent overseas to ally to the British Forces.