University of Otago archaeology masters student Hamish
Williams studies drainpipes from the 1860s, uncovered under
the former NZ Road Services building, in Dunedin, last
month. Photo by Craig Baxter.
A significant part of Dunedin's history found its way to
the surface for analysis recently, much to the delight of
Hamish Williams.
The University of Otago archaeology masters student was on
site in May when one of the city's first waste pipes was
uncovered under the former NZ Road Services building.
Excavators were digging a lift shaft for the Otago Settlers
Museum redevelopment and came across the hand-made, 30cm
diameter earthenware pipe.
"I was just so excited," Mr Williams said.
The pipe, and another found in March last year, were 1.7m
below the surface and were significant because they were so
old.
In 1862, work was begun to remove Bell Hill and reclaim land
in Otago Harbour.
Mr Williams believed the pipes would have been laid in
sections as the land developed.
Before the drainage system was laid, waste built up in the
city streets, creating health concerns and disturbing
residents.
Mr Williams believed drainage pipes were not given the
archaeological attention they deserved and he wanted to
change people's opinions towards them.
For the past year, he had been studying early Dunedin's
drainage system, and the characteristics of old pipes, for
his master's thesis.
Ultimately, he wanted to create a standardised approach to
their analysis.
Museum director Linda Wigley said the find was "quite neat".
"We are really interested to find out more about it. It's
great we have the expertise here."
She was unsure what would happen to the pipe and would wait
for the Historic Places Trust to make a recommendation.
- ellie.constantine@odt.co.nz
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