The Waimate District Council says it does not yet know if the South Canterbury settlement of Douglas will receive thousands of dollars in an unusual bequest.
British newspapers report that Scotsman Eric Gordon Douglas has left £220,000 to be shared among 20 towns around the world that bear the name Douglas.
One paper has named the tiny New Zealand settlement of Douglas, about 19km west of Waimate, as a possible recipient of up to $NZ25,000.
Locals have been discussing possible uses for the money, including a cycle-walkway or repairs to an historic building.
But Carolyn Johns, of Waimate District Council, says it has not yet been contacted by lawyers for Mr Douglas.
Ms Johns says if the settlement does receive the money, the council will consult with residents to decide how it is spent.
