Archaeological Study Of Sites

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30147, 3 June 1963, Page 15

Archaeological Study Of Sites

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, June 2. Moves to ensure the proper archaeological examination and cataloguing of sites of prehistoric occupation before they were destroyed were token at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Archaeological Association at the week-end. The association, which works in close collaboration with the National Historic Places Trust, also took steps to ensure the preservation of some sites of particular interest.

The meeting discussed how best to make permanent records of all sites previously occupied by the Maoris. It was considered that the records should include map locations, plans, photographs and detailed descriptions for preservation in the Dominion Museum.

In the course of field work, it was said, it had become obvious that many prehistoric s tes had been destroyed by reading, the spread of urban housing, the establishment of industrial sites and by erosion, destruction was continuing A sub-committee was set up to seek interim or longterm protection for places of national historic interest, to enable them to be subjected to proper archaeological examination before destruction.

A revised constitution was adopted and the following officers elected:—President, Dr. G. Blake-Palmer (Wellington)’; Immediate pastpresident, Mr R. Green (Auckland); vice-presidents. Messrs D. W. Robinson iHawera) and R. J. Scarlett (Christchurch); secretary, Mr P. Gothercoe (Dunedin); treasurer, Mr M. Hitchings •Wellington); editor. Dr A G Buist (Hawera); council, Miss J. Davidson (Auckland) and Messrs W Shawcross (Auckland) R. Allen (New Plymouth), R. H Parker (Auckland), D. Simmons (Dunedin), and Dr. R. Duff (Christchurch),