I ARCHAEOLOGICAL I EXCAVATION I AT I GOAT ISLAND, SYDNEY...

I 0994.41

I GOA

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I 0994.41

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION

AT GOAT ISLAND, SYDNEY

HARBOUR.

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REPORT PREPARED FOR THE SYDNEY HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK, NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE.

MAY 1999 DY

M~ DANA .TADWIGA MIDER

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I CONTENTS 000037907 page

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1-2

I 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Location 1 1.3 Author Identification & Study Team 1

I 1.4 Scope of Works 1-2 1.5 Archaeological Research Design 2 1.6 Statutory Controls & Excavation Permit. 2 I 1.7 Previous Work 2 1.8 Acknowledgments 2

I 2.0 RESULTS OF FIELDWORK 3-5

I 2.1 Methodology 3 2.2 Trench 8 3 2.3 Trench 9 3-4

I 2.4 Trench 10 4 2.5 Trench 11 4 2.6 Trench 12 4

I 2.7 Trench 13 4 2.8 Aboriginal Archaeology 4 2.9 Artefacts 4-5

I 2.10 General Discussion 5

I 3.0 RESPONSE TO THE RESEARCH DESIGN 6

I 4.0 CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF EXCAVATED REMAINS 7

I 5.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF EXCAVATED AREAS 8

I 6.0 IN-SITU CONSERVATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL RELICS AND FEATURES 9

I 7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 10

I 8.0 BIDLIOGRAPHY 11

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9.0 LIST OF FIGURES 12-13

I 10.0 FIGURES

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CONTENTS

ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A: Excavation permit issued National Parks & Wildlife Service (under delegntcd authodty).

ATTACHMENT 8: Interim repoa·t by Dana Mider, dated 23 Aprill999.

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REPORT ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS GO .AT ISLAND, SYDNEY HARBOUR. I

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background The NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (Sydney Region) have commissioned Ms Dana Mider to undertake a small amount of salvage excavation at the Former Water Police Building and at Goat Island, Sydney Harbour.

This document provides the results of the archaeological excavation, in compliance with the excavation permit issued by The Heritage Council of NSW (delegated the NPWS), (attachment A).

Archaeological fieldwork was undertaken by Dana Mider over three days - Thursday 1 April, Tuesday 6 April and Monday 12 April 19J9. All objectives of the original and extended brief were achieved.

1.2 Location Goat Island is one of the Sydney Harbour islands, it is located approximately 1.2 km west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The study area comprised the sub floor areas of room two and four of the former Water Police building, constructed in 1838, (figs 1 & 2). In addition a test trench was excavated adjacent to the exterior western wall of the building.

1.3 Author Identification & Study Team This report has been written by Ms Dana Jadwiga Mider. Photographs are by Dana Mider. All fieldwork w~s carried out by Dana Mider. Trenches 11 and 13 were excavated by the Builder under archaeological supervision.

1.4 Scope of Works Archaeological· works were quite limited in scope, being limited to a combinati.on of salvage excavation of select areas and archaeologic;:.l monitoring. Plea3e refer to figures 2 for the location of the excavated areas. The location of trenches was determined by the requirement to lower existing sub floor areas to increase ventilation, and to excavate deposits that would be disturbed by underpinning and reconstruction work. The test trench located exterior to the building was excavated to investigate the nature and depth of the building foundations. It should be noted that artefact inventory or analysis did not form part of the brief.

Site works comprised the following: • Supervision of removal of a white ant nest in the sub floor cavity within room 2. • Archaeological excavation and removal of a rats nest in the sub floor cavity within

room2. • Inspection of under floor deposit within room 4. (photographic recording). • Archaeological excavation of the under floor deposit adjacent to the hearth within

room 2. • Archaeological excavation of the under floor de:Josit adjacent to the blocked up door

(west wall) in room 2, prior to. underpinning works.

DANA MIDER FOR NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE. MAY 1999.

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REPORT ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS GOAT ISLAND, SYDNEY HARBOUR. 2 'j .

• Archaeological supervision of test pit excavation along the exterior of the building (west wall). This test pit was to determine the nature of the building foundations and packing fills. Trench located adjacent to the blocked up door in room 2.

1.5 Archaeological Research Design No archaeological research design was formulated for the works. The research questions from the previous investigation were used as a basis for the salvage works. 1

1.6 Statutory Controls & Excavation Permit The study area is subject to the relevant sections of the NSW Heritage Act 1977. For areas/items within NSW National Parks or land administered by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, certain powers such as the issuing of excavation permits have been delegated to the Director of NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (or their nominated deputies). The original permit was issued by Mr Denis Gojak on 24 October 1997. It was subsequently extended on 30 March 1999, to cover the proposed works (attachment A).

1. 7 Previous work There have been several previous studies undertaken for Goat Island. These include conservation plans by Dr Jim Kerr, Schwager Brooks and Partners and Heritage Group State Projects (former Public Works Department). Ms Mary Casey undertook a conservation plan for the former water police building in 1991 _2 This excavation report draws from the above documents.

In January 1998 an program of archaeological testing was undertaken within the former I water police building. 3 The excavation methodology and report for 1999 works continues ------the-trench sequence and methodology of the 1998 investigation.

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1.8 Acknowledgments The good humour and forbearance of Ms Jennifer Faddy (Properties Manager - Sydney Region, National Parks & Wildlife Service) has been much appreciated.

The co-operation and sensitivity by the building contactor R E Charles, and in particular that of the on site team, to the archaeological works, was much appreciated.

1 Refer to sections 1.4 and 2.5 of the Mider 1998 excavation report. 2 Please refer to the bibliography (section 8) for full references. 3 Dana Mider in association with Archaeological Management and Consulting Group June 1998.


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REPORT ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS GOAT ISLAND, SYDNEY HARBOUR. 3

2.0 RESULTS OF FIELDWORK

2.1 Methodology The fieldwork was undertaken over three days in April 1999. Standard archaeological methods were employed during the excavation and investigation. All deposits were excavated stratigraphically, quantified and wet sieved through 2mm and 5mm sieves. All trenches were excavated with appropriate spatial controls. All areas and features nominated for excavation, monitoring or removal were photographed prior to and at the completion of excavation works. A site plan locating the position of the trenches and works was drawn to scale.

All artefacts were recovered through wet sieving (2mm and 5mm sieves). They were washed, dried and bagged into separate context and quadrat groupings. They were not inventoried. They have been boxed and archived with National Parks & Wildlife Service, Sydney District.

A total of six areas were investigated. Four trenches were excavated within room 2, one was recorded in room 4, and a test pit was excavated under archaeological supervision out side the building, immediately adjacent to the western wall of the structure.

The numbering of trenches for this investigation continues the sequence established during test excavations undertaken in January 1998.

Due to the blurring of the two underfloor contexts in room two, artefacts excavated from I the contexts identified in the 1998 excavation report as 201 an<l203,_ were not separated. - ----------'fhese-two--contexrs-have been freafed as a single stratigraphic unit. For the purposes of

any future artefact inventory the artefacts should be inventoried as part of unit 203. I I I I I I I I I I

2.2 Trench 8 Trench 8 was located adjacent to the hearth. This area required excavation in order to increase air circulation within the sub floor space. It comprised three quadrats of unequal size (A lOOOmm * lOOOmm, B 400mm * 500mm, C 700mm * 400mm). The hearth deposit comprised a thick layer of ash, dust, cinder, and artefactual material. It measured up to 250 mm in depth. In all 80 kg of deposit was removed from trench 8. 40 kg from quadrat A, 20 kg from quadrat Band 20 kg from quadrat C. The existing sub floor deposit was only excavated to 20mm below the floor joists. It is important to note that the entire deposit was not removed from this area, the remainder lays in situ.

2.3 Trench 9 Trench 9 was located adjacent to the blocked up doorway within the western wall of room 2. It measured 1600mm * 300mm. It was excavated in order to remove existing under floor deposits prior to the underpinning of the former door. 34 kilograms of deposit were removed from this trench. The archaeological deposit consisted of dust, decayed organic material, building materials, portions of white ant eaten joists, floor boards, and other


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artefacts. It is important to note that the entire deposit was not removed from this area, the remainder lays in situ.

2.4 Trench 10 Trench 10 was located in the north eastern corner of room 2. It measured 600mm * 450mm. It was excavated to remove a rats nest and associated midden, in order to increase air circulation within the sub floor space. 29 kilograms of deposit were excavated from this trench. The archaeological deposit consisted of dust, a large amount of organic material, modern plastic food wrappers, building materials, portions of white ant eaten joists and floor boards, food scraps and other artefacts. It is important to note that the entire deposit was not removed from this area. The existing sub floor deposit was only excavated to 20mm below the floor joists. The remainder of the archaeological deposit lays in situ.

2.5 Trench 11 Trench 11 was located in the south eastern corner of room 2, adjacent to the fireplace. It measured 900mm * 450mm. It was excavated to remove a large white ants nest. This was removed under archaeological supervision. It is important to note that only the ants nest was removed. The sub floor archaeological deposit remains in situ.

2.6 Trench 12 Trench 12 was located in the south western corner of room 4, adjacent to the fireplace. This trench was not excavated. The in situ under floor deposit was recorded

I photographically, prior to the floor boards being nailed into place. The large amount of bone and other organic material in the sub floor cavity appears to_b~ the result of rodent

-----~activity seem:s fo have been fairly intensive and prolonged.

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2.7 Trench 13 Trench 13 was located outside the building immediately adjacent the western wall. It was excavated under archaeological supervision. The trench was dug to establish the nature of the existing soil fill and building foundations. The deposit was not quantified. The trench revealed that the former water police building did not possess a foundation, and that the base course of the wall lay 200mm below the present ground surface. The soil profile consisted of a turf and topsoil layer c 150 in depth. Below this layer a clay (with decaying shale) was encountered. This clay layer was similar to that within the buiJding, where it had been lowered in 1865.

2.8 Aboriginal Archaeology No evidence of aboriginal occupation was encountered during the site works.

2.9 Artefacts The excavation confirmed the observations from the 1998 test excavations ie that a large intact underfloor deposit exists within all rooms of the former water police building. This deposit has not been disturbed by any modern services or trenching.


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All artefacts recovered during the excavation were washed, dried and bagged by trench and quadrat location. As anticipated the under floor areas of the former water police building yielded a high volume of artefactual material. Over 500 artefacts were excavated from the three trenches in room 2. Due to time constraints the artefacts were not sorted or inventoried. Artefact inventory did not form part of the brief Objects recovered from the under floor areas in room 2 included a large number of clay smoking pipes, organic material, bone, animal faeces, eating implements, coins etc. They have been boxed and archived with National Parks & Wildlife Service, Sydney District.

The dry and undisturbed conditions beneath the floors contributed to the high survival rate of well preserved artefacts, including fragile and organic materials which often do not survive in damper environments. Many of these objects would be amenable for further analysis and museum display.

Historical and archaeological evidence points the lowering of most underfloor areas during 1865. It seems that rooms two and three were less disturbed by the 1865 works as they contained several artefacts dating to the 1840s and 1850s. Nevertheless the majority of artefacts will post date 1865.

2.10 General Discussion The excavation indicated that a large intact underfloor deposit survived within the rooms of the building. It had not been significantly disturbed by any modern services or trenching.

The clay packinguwhich was observed during the 1998 field season was encountered in all trenches excavated within room 2. This clay (or something quite similar) was also encountered (but at a lower level) in test trench 13, immediately outside the building.

The large amount of organic and bone material within the sub floor cavity is probably the result of the long term presence of rodents within the building. The rats nest removed from trench 10 was formed from quite recent material ie modern plastic bags etc. Trench 8 yielded the skeletal remains of at least 6 rodents (both rats and mice). The rodents and other animals such as possums and possibly a sheep would have enjoyed uninterrupted access and occupation during the periods when the building stood under utilised or empty (during the early 1860, the 1880s and from the late 1907s).




3.0 RESPONSE TO THE RESEARCH DESIGN No research design was created for this investigation. However this investigation has been useful in clarifYing and expanding information gathered from the previous site investigations during 1998.

a/. Presence/absence of archaeological deposit and relics within the building. As with the previous investigation the areas investigated within the Water Police Building clearly demonstrated the presence of a large, stratified, artefact rich and intact deposit.

b/. Indicate (as far as possible) the density and distributions of the archaeological deposit in each structure and room. Preliminary results seem to indicate that the artefact density and distribution varies between and across individual rooms within the Water Police Building. Further analysis will refine this observation, as trenches were determined by salvage requirements and may not represent the totality of the sub floor deposit distribution.

This investigation has provided evidence large scale and long term rodent (and white ant) occupation in the sub floor cavity of the building. The nest building and food scavenging activities of the rodents would explain the substantial midden like deposits within rooms 2 and 4.

c/. Levels of disturbance to the existing archaeological deposit. The level of disturbance to the underfloor deposits within the Water Police Building is minimal. Not withstanding the blurring and movement_ of the sub floor deposits by the most recent building works, the stratigraphic and spatial integrity of the deposits remain

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4.0 CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF EXCAVATION AREAS This section presents a brief statement of significance for the artefacts, deposits and other features encountered during the 1998 and 1999 excavations.

Several detailed statements of significance exist for Goat Island, the former Water Police Building and the Harbour Masters Residence. These should be consulted if a broader discussion of cultural significance is sought 4 .

The sub floor artefact deposits are of high cultural significance as; they possess a high degree of stratigraphic integrity and research potential. The deposits have not been subject to disturbance since 1865, and have not been impacted on by modern services.

The artefact and deposit density is high providing the potential for a rich yield of significant artefactual material. The artefacts range in date from the 1840s to the late 201

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century, and include a range of organic, paper and textile objects. This includes animal faeces, rats nest, rigging from boats, hand carved wooden objects, cricket bales, paper flags, clothing and maritime memorabilia. The initial test excavations in 1998 and the most recent salvage excavation have demonstrated that the sub floor occupation deposits have the potential to provide rich, diverse and compelling evidence relating to the use of the structure through time.

Other evidence includes structural alterations to the building. This includes the possibility of stone flagged floors prior to 1865, and the possible lowering of the exterior soil fills

I adjacent to the building ?. This information is not available from other sites .and sources, as the surviving historical documentation does not include sufficient unambiguous

--------information to adequately interpret the building, its construction, use and occupants from 183 8 to the present. I

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4 Refer to tl1e bibliography section 8.0


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5.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF THE EXCAVATED AREAS

The archaeological potential of the sub floor areas within the Water Police Building is high. Not withstanding the blurring and movement of the sub floor deposits by the most recent building works, the stratigraphic and spatial integrity of the deposits remain high.

It should be noted that not all archaeological deposits were removed from the trenches excavated within room 2. The sub floor deposit was only lowered to levels required by the builder (ie 20mm below the present joists). Thus archaeological deposits survive within all areas of room 2.

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6.0 IN-SITU CONSERVATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL RELICS AND FEATURES.

The deposits encountered within and adjacent to the building are significant. Ideally they should be retained and protected in situ.

If future refurbishment or conservation works are likely to impact on the deposits, appropriate salvage measures should be undertaken.




7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

11. The excavated artefacts should be inventoried and analysed. To date over 2000 artefacts have been recovered from the two excavations. These should be inventoried as they possess high research potential and will add useful information to any future interpretation strategy for the building. They will also shed light on the occupation and specific room use within the building.

2/. If future building works require the floor to be lifted serious consideration should be given to full salvage excavation of the sub floor deposits. This would include the formulation of an archaeological research design. Despite the care taken by the builder to minimise treadage and movement of sub floor deposits, a considerable amount of inadvertent disturbance of archaeological deposits has occurred. The moving of joists, inserting new bearers, treadage etc. has spread and displaced the in situ archaeological deposit across room 2. This has compromised the stratigraphic integrity of this previously undisturbed and significant deposit. This disturbance is best identified in the area of the previously excavated test trench in room 2. This trench was excavated to clay removing all sub floor archaeological deposits, in January 1998. As a result of the most recent building works trench has filled with under floor deposit from adjacent areas.

3/. Two copies each of this excavation report be archived at Sydney Region, Head Office, and Goat Island - National Parks & Wildlife Service. 2 copies of the report be sent to the Heritage Office ofNSW.

4/. Artefacts recovered during the test excavation be archived in an appropriate matmer ..

DANA MIDERFOR NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE. MAY 1999.



8.0 DIDLIOGRAPHY

• Mary Casey Water Police Station Goat Island. Draft Conservation Plan. Master ofthe Built Environment, University ofNSW October 1991.

• Heritage Group, State Projects. Goat Island Investigation Draft. Report No: 97/23.

• Dr Jim Kerr Goat Island. An Analysis of Documentary and Physical Evidence and an Assessment of Significance. Maritime Services Board of NSW 1985.

• Dana Mider in Association with Archaeological Management and Consulting Group PIL. Archaeological Test Excavations at Goat Island, Sydney Harbour.

• DanaMider

For NSW NPWS Sydney Harbour National Park. June 1998.

Interim Report - Goat Island Sydney Harbour. Emergency Archaeological Salvage Excavations. 23 April 1999. For NSW NPWS Sydney Harbour National Park. 23 April 1999,

• Schwager Brooks & Partners. Goat Island Conservation Plan. National Parks & Wildlife Service. NSW. April 1994.

• Schwager Brooks & Partners. Water Police Precinct, Goat Island. Conservation Plan. National Parks & Wildlife Service. NSW. June 1995.




9.0 LIST OF FIGURES

• FIGURE 1: LOCATION PLAN OF FORMER WATER POLICE BUILDING, GOAT ISLAND. SOURCE: SCHWAGER BROOKS CONSERVATION PLAN. JUNE 1994.

• FIGURE 2: WATER POLICE BUILDING. LOCATION PLAN OF TRENCHES. SOURCE: MRMARTINROWNEY. MARCH 1998. ANNOTATIONSDANAMIDERMAY 1999.

• FIGURE 3: ROOM 2- TRENCH 8. PRIOR TO EXCAVATION. THE DEPOSIT ADJACENT TO THE HEARTH IS UP TO 200MM THICK. LOOKING SOUTH EAST. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 1 APRIL 1999.

• FIGURE 4: ROOM 2- TRENCH 8. AT COMPLETION OF EXCAVATION. LOOKING SOUTH EAST. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 12 APRIL 1999.

• FIGURE 5: ROOM 2- TRENCH 8. REINSTATEMENT OF JOISTS AND BEARERS. LOOKING SOUTHEAST. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 12 APRIL 1999.

• FIGURE 6: ROOM 2 - TRENCH 9. AREA REQUIRING UNDERPINNING - BLOCKED UP DOORWAY. LOOKING WEST. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 1 APRIL 1999.

• FIGURE 7: ROOM 2- TRENCH 9. PRIOR TO EXCAVATION. LOOKING SOUTH. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 1 APRIL 1999.

• FIGURE 8: ROOM 2- TRENCH 9. AT COMPLETION OF EXCAVATION. LOOKING~QIJTII. ~-------- ---seBR€E:-PH01'0 TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 12 APRIL 1999.

• FIGURE 9: ROOM2 -TRENCH 10. RATS NEST PRIOR TO EXCAVATION. LOOKING NORTH. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 6 APRIL 1999.

• FIGURE 10: ROOM 2- TRENCH 10. AT COMPLETION OF EXCAVATION. LOOKING NORTH. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 6 APRIL 1999.

• FIGURE 11: ROOM 2 - TRENCH 11. WHITE ANTS NEST PRIOR TO REMOVAL. LOOKING EAST. SOURCE: PHOTOTAKENBYDANAMIDER. 1 APRIL 1999.

• FIGURE 12: ROOM 2- TRENCH 11. AT COMPLETION OF EXCAVATION. NOTE IN SITU UNDERFLOOR DEPOSIT. LOOKING EAST. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 1 APRIL 1999.

• FIGURE 13: ROOM 4- TRENCH 12. NOTE IN SITU UNDERFLOOR DEPOSIT (BONE, WOOD ETC) & DUST MOUNDS - INDICATING THE GAPS BETWEEN THE FLOORBOARDS. LOOKING WEST. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 6 APRIL 1999.

• FIGURE 14: TRENCH 13. TEST TRENCH PRIOR TO EXCAVATION. ADJACENT TO THE WESTERN WALL OF THE BUILDING. LOOKING EAST. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 6 APRIL 1999.


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• FIGURE 15: TRENCH 13. TEST TRENCH AT COMPLETION OF EXCAVATION. ADJACENT TO THE WESTERN WALL OF THE BUILDING. LOOKING EAST. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 6 APRIL 1999.

• FIGURE 16: ROOM 2. GENERAL VIEW OF SUB FLOOR SPACE AT COMPLETION OF WORKS. LOOKING SOUTH. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 12 APRIL 1999.

• FIGURE 17: ROOM 2. GENERAL VIEW OF SUB FLOOR SPACE AT COMPLETION OF WORKS. LOOKING SOUTH. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 12 APRIL 1999.


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GOAT ISLAND CONSERVATION PLAN

Orientation Plan Schwager Brooks and Par1ners P1y ltd

FIGURE 1: LOCATION PLAN OF FORMER WATER POLICE BUILDING, GOAT ISLAND. SOURCE: SCHWAGER BROOKS CONSERVATION PLAN. JUNE 1994.




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FIGURE 2: WATER POLICE BUJI.biNG. LOCATION PLAN OF TRENCHES. SOURCE: MR MARTIN ROWNEY. MARCH 1998. ANNOTATIONS DANA MIDER MAY 1999.


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FIGURE 3: ROOM 2- TRENCH 8. PRIOR TO EXCAVATION. THE DEPOSIT ADJACENT TO THE HEARTH IS UP TO 200MM THICK. LOOKING SOUTH EAST.

SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 1 APRIL 1999.

FIGURE 4: ROOM 2 -TRENCH 8. AT OF EXCAVATION. LOOKING SOUTH EAST. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN DANA MIDER. 12 APRIL 1999.


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FIGURE 5: ROOM 2- TRENCH 8. REINSTATEMENT OF JOISTS AND BEARERS. LOOKING SOUTH EAST.


DANA MIDERFOR NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE. MAY 1999.


REPORT ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS GOAT ISLAND, SYDNEY HARBOUR 18

FIGURE 6: ROOM 2- TRENCH 9. AREA REQUIRING UNDERPINNING- BLOCKED UP DOORWAY. LOOKING WEST.


FIGURE 7: ROOM 2- TRENCH 9. PRIOR TO EXCAVATION. LOOKING SOUTH. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 1 APRIL 1999.

DANA MIDER FOR NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND Wll,DLIFE SERVICE. MAY 1999.



FIGURE 8: ROOM 2- TRENCH 9. AT COMPLETION OF EXCAVATION. LOOKING SOUTH. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 12 APRIL 1999.



REPORT ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS GOAT ISLAND, SYDNEY HARBOUR 20

FIGURE 9: ROOM 2- TRENCH 10. RATS NEST PRIOR TO EXCAVATION. LOOKING NORTH. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 6 APRIL 1999.

FIGURE 10: ROOM 2- TRENCH 10. AT COMPLETION OF EXCAVATION. LOOKING NORTH. SOURCE: PHOTO TA¥N BY DANA MillER. 6 APRIL 1999.




FIGURE 11 : ROOM 2- TRENCH 11 . WHITE ANTS NEST PRIOR TO REMOVAL. LOOKING EAST. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 1 APRIL 1999.

FIGURE 12: ROOM 2- TRENCH 11 . AT tOMPLETION OF EXCAVATION. NOTE IN SITU UNDERFLOOR D~POSIT. LOOKING EAST.

SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. I APRIL 1999. I



REPORT ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS pOAT ISLAND, SYDNEY HARBOUR. 22

FIGURE 13: ROOM 4- TRENCH 12. NOTE IN SITU UNDERFLOOR DEPOSIT (BONE, WOOD ETC) & DUST MOUNDS- INDICATING THE GAPS BETWEEN TilE FLOORBOARDS. LOOKING WEST.


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DANA MIDER FOR NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE.

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MAY 1999.



FIGURE 14: TRENCH 13. TEST TRENCH PRIOR TO EXCAVATION. ADJACENT TO THE WESTERN WALL OF THE BUILDING. LOOKING EAST.


FIGURE 15: TRENCH 13. TEST TRENCH AT COMPLETION OF EXCAVATION. ADJACENT TO THE WESTERN WALL OF THE BUILDING. LOOKING EAST. SOURCE: PHOTO TAKEN BY DANA MIDER. 6 APRIL 1999.


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FIGURE 16: ROOM 2. GENERAL VIEW OF SUB FLOOR SPACE AT COMPLETION OF WORKS. LOOKING SOUTH.


FIGURE 17: ROOM 2. GENERAL VIEW OF SUB FLOOR SPACE AT COMPLETION OF WORKS. LOOKING SOUTH.



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*ATTACHMENT A: Excavation permit issued National Parks & Wildlife Service (under delegated authority).

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M E M 0 R A N 0 U M

DATE: 30 March 1999

TO: Jenny Faddy, Sydney District

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FROM: CHSD Historical Archaeologist

RE: Further archaeological work at Water Police Building Goat Island, Sydney Harbour NP

Firstly, my apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

I discussed this matter with Caitlin Allen at the NSW Heritage Office. She was able to advise that even though our delegation had formally lapsed we could carry out the work specified in your letter (rats nest, terminte nest, test pit) within the constraints of the existing excavation permit which was issued to Dana Mider. - ·

I have checked the original permission and permit application for Ms Mider's work, and can now confirm that the proposed work is in accordance with her original permit.

Please advise Dana that she may go ahead subject to the same conditions about reporting and methodology as contained .in ·her· original permit.

Denis Gojak Historical Archaeologist CHSD

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*ATTACHMENT B: Interim report by Ms Dana Mider, dated 23 April1999.

Pages: 26-29


Ms Jennifer Faddy, Architect, NPWS. Sydney District, Greycliffe House, Nielson Park, PO Box 461, Rose Bay, NSW 2029. TELEPHONE: (02) 9337-5511 FAX: (02) 9337-1303

Dear Ms Faddy,

Ms Dana Mider Historical Archaeologist. 82 Newton Rd, Strathfield. NSW. 2135 PHONE: (02) 9764-4390 FAX: (02) 9764-4390 MOBil-E: 041-8251-252

23 April 1999

RE: EMERGENCY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SALVAGE EXCAVATIONS -GOAT ISLAND FORMER WATER POLICE BUILDING, INTERIM REPORT

1/. Introduction. This is short summary of the excavation results. It presents the findings of the emergency salvage excavations undertaken at the former Water Police building, at Goat Island. The fieldwork at Goat Island was carried out by Dana Mider over three days - Thursday 1 April, Tuesday 6 April and Monday 12 April 1999. All objectives of the original and extended brief were achieved.

2/. Scope of Works. Site works comprised the following: • Supervision of removal of a white ant nest in the sub floor cavity within room 2. • Archaeological excavation and removal of a rats nest in the sub floor cavity within

room 2. • Inspection of under floor deposit within room 4. (photographic recording). • Archaeological excavation of the under floor deposit adjacent to the hearth within

room 2. • Archaeological excavation of the under floor deposit adjacent to the blocked up de-or

(west wall) in room 2, prior to underpinning works. • Archaeological supervision of test pit excavation along the exterior of the building

(west wall). This test pit was to determine the nature of the building foundations and packing fills. Trench located adjacent to the blocked up door in room 2.

3/. Excavation Results. Standard excavation and recording techniques were employed during the site investigation. All areas and features nominated for excavation, monitoring or removal were photographed prior to and at the completion of excavation works. A site plan

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locating the position of the trenches and works was drawn to scale. All excavated deposits were quantified and wet sieved (2mm & Smm sieves).

A total of six areas were investigated. Four trenches were excavated within room 2, one was recorded in room 4, and a test pit was excavated under archaeological supervision out side the building, immediately adjacent to the western wall of the structure.

The numbering of trenches in this investigation continues the sequence established during test excavations undertaken in January 1998.

Trench 8 Trench 8 was located adjacent to the hearth. This area required excavation in order to increase air circulation within the sub floor space. It comprised three quadrats of unequal size (A 1 OOOmm * 1 OOOmm, B 400mm * SOOmm, C 700mm * 400mm). The hearth deposit comprised a thick layer of ash, dust, cinder, and artefactual material. It measured up to 250 mm in depth. In all 80 kg of deposit was removed from trench 8. 40 kg from quadrat A, 20 kg from quadrat B and 20 kg from quadrat C. The existing sub floor deposit was only excavated to 20mm below the floor joists. It is important to note that the entire deposit was not removed from this area, the remainder lays in situ.

Trench 9 Trench 9 was located adjacent to the blocked up doorway within the western wall of room 2. It measured 1600mm * 300mm. It was excavated in order to remove existing under floor deposits prior to the underpinning of the former door. 34 kilograms of deposit were removed from this trench. The archaeological deposit consisted of dust, decayed organic

- material, building materials, portions of white ant eaten joists, floor boaros: ancroffler artefacts. It is important to note that the entire deposit was not removed from this area, the remainder lays in situ.

Trench 10 Trench 10 was located in the northeastern corner of room 2. It measured 600mm * 450mm. It was excavated to remove a rats nest and associated midden, in order to increase air circulation within the sub floor space. 29 kilograms of deposit were excavated from this trench. The archaeological deposit consisted of dust, a large amount of organic material, modern plastic food wrappers, building materials, portions of white ant eaten joists and floor boards, food scraps and other artefacts. It is important to note that the entire deposit was not removed from this area. The existing sub floor deposit was only excavated to 20mm below the floor joists. The remainder of the archaeological deposit lays in situ.

Trench 11 Trench 11 was located in the southeastern corner of room 2, adjacent to the fireplace. It measured 900mm * 450mm. It was excavated to remove a large white ants nest. This was removed under archaeological supervision. It is important to note that only the ants nest was removed. The sub floor archaeological deposit remains in situ.

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Trench 12 Trench 12 was located in the southwestern corner of room 4, adjacent to the fireplace. This trench was not excavated. The in situ under floor deposit was recorded photographically, prior to the floor boards being nailed into place.

Trench 13 Trench 13 was located outside the building immediately adjacent the western wall. It was excavated under archaeological supervision. The trench was dug to establish the nature of the existing soil fill and building foundations. The deposit was not quantified. The trench revealed that the former water police building did not possess a foundation, and that the base course of the wall lay 200mm below the present ground surface. The soil profile consisted of a turf and topsoil layer c 150 in depth. Below this layer a clay (with decaying shale) was encountered. This clay layer was similar to that within the building, where it had been lowered in 1865.

4/. Artefacts. All artefacts recovered during the excavation were washed, dried and bagged by stratigraphic unit on the island. As anticipated the under floor areas of the former water police building yielded a high volume of artefactual material. Over 500 artefacts were excavated from the three trenches in room 2. Due to time constraints the artefacts were not sorted or inventoried. Artefact inventory did not form part of the brief. Objects recovered from the under floor areas in room 2 included a large number of clay smoking pipes, organic material, bone, animal feces, eating implements, coins etc.

5/. Recommendatimls ·----• The excavated artefacts should be inventoried and analyzed. A substantial quantity

already exist from the two excavations. These should be inventoried as they possess high research potential and will add useful information to any future interpretation strategy for the building. They will also shed light on the occupation and specific room use within the building.

• Archaeological deposits were only removed to levels required by the builder. Thus all sub floor areas within the building still contain archaeological potential.

• If future building works require the floor to be lifted serious consideration should be given to full salvage excavation of the sub floor deposits. Despite the care taken by the builder to minimize treadage and movement of sub floor deposits, a considerable amount of inadvertent disturbance of archaeological deposits has occurred. The moving of joists, inserting new bearers, treadage etc. has spread and displaced the in situ archaeological deposit across room 2. This has compromised the stratigraphic integrity of this previously undisturbed and significant deposit. This disturbance is best identified in the area of the previously excavated test trench in room 2. This trench was excavated to clay removing all sub floor archaeological deposits, in January 1998. As


a result of the most recent building works trench has filled with under floor deposit from adjacent areas.

The final report will be submitted to the client in mid May 1999.

Yours Sincerely,

2). Ms Dana Mider

I ARCHAEOLOGICAL I EXCAVATION I AT I GOAT ISLAND, SYDNEY...

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