Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01891:body:0:p31
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01891
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 95617–98612

grass, though not native to Norfolk Island, plays an important role in dune stabilisation. It is likely
to have been introduced to the KAVHA site to stabilise the foreshore after sand mining at Emily Bay and
Cemetery Beach.

3.4.5 Polynesian Remains

Recent archaeological excavations revealed a Polynesian habitation site at Emily Bay dating from
c1200AD. There is a dark-coloured cultural layer below the sand, structural remains, an extensive artefact
assemblage and evidence of landscape modification. The structures include ovens, refuse pits, postholes
and a paved structure interpreted as a rudimentary 'marae'. The remains are covered with sand. Obsidian
flakes found during the excavation, which were determined after analysis to be from the Kermadecs, and
other artefacts are held in the Norfolk Island Museum.

Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area—Heritage Management Plan, April 2016
Authorised Version F2016L01891 registered 09/12/2016

Jean Rice Architect | CONTEXT | GML Heritage

3.4.6 First (Colonial) Settlement 1788-1814

The landing place used in 1788 was near the present Pier, but has eroded. A central road led from there
to the first Government House. Foundations, underground drains and cuttings in the hillside survive of the
mostly timber structures destroyed in 1814. Previous services excavations found extensive archaeological
remains. There was one burial near the landing place and burials at Emily Bay before 1796-1798;
remains, if found, would be highly significant.

First Government Houses

Archaeological remains of the first two Government Houses are under the later Surgeon's Quarters.
Artefacts, including samples of building materials, are in the museum. The road alignment, on the
common to the north, skirts what was the 1790s Governor's Garden. The current Government House
contains footings and walls (to about sill height) of the third Government House constructed c1803.

Other Buildings

At least 60 buildings—with associated plantings, farmlands, roads, drainage channels and services—
existed within the KAVHA site before 1814. Only 15 remains are known, such as vestiges incorporated in
later buildings. The first hospital, Surgeon's Quarters and the hospital garden sites are beneath the site of
the later Prisoners' Compound and Lumberyard—this, and west of the New Gaol, may have
archaeological deposits.

The Wreck of the HMS Sirius

The wreck of the Sirius is on the outer side of the reef. Artefacts have been recovered and some of the
more significant objects are displayed in the Norfolk Island Museum, including an anchor. Two more
anchors are on mainland Australia.

Agricultural and Industrial Activities

In Arthur's Vale a section of channelled stream in its 1790s alignment remains, as well as faint field
boundaries—these are the same as shown on George Raper's map (which shows the first watermill, dam
and millpond, channel, field boundaries, plantations, the government farm and small holdings in the
valley). Plantings of