THE AUSTRALIAN c A, ER SPELEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY ~

II No.IIO 1986 II

Registered by Australia Post Publication Number NBQ 5116 HEHBKR SOCIETIES & ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS

COUNCIL HEHBKRS ACT: Speleological Society 18 Arabana St Aranda ACT 2614 Capital Territory Group PO Box 638 Woden ACT 2606 National University Caving Club c/-Sports Union Australian National university ACT 2600 NSW: Baptist Caving Association 90 Parkes St Helensburg NSW 2508 Speleological Club PO Box37 Glenbrook NSW 2773 Endeavour Caving & Recreational Club PO Box 63 Miranda NSW 2228 Highland Caving Group PO Box 154 Liverpool NSW 2170 Hills Speoleology Club PO Box 198 Baulkharn Hills NSW 2153 Illawarra Speleological Society PO Box 94 Unanderra NSW 2526 Kempsey Speleological Society 27 River St Kempsey NSW 2440 Macquarie University Caving Group c/-Sports Association Macquarie Uni Nth Ryde NSW 211 3 Metropolitan Speleological Society PO Box 2376 Nth Parramatta NSW 2151 Newcastle And Hunter Valley Speleological Society PO Box 15 Broadrneadow NSW 2292 NSW Institute Of Technology Speleological Society c/-The Union PO Box 123 Broadway NSW 2007 Orange Speleological Society PO Box 752 Orange NSW 2800 RAN Caving Association c/- 30 Douglas Ave Nth Epping NSW 2121 University Speleological Society Box 35 The Union Sydney University NSW 2006 University Of NSW Speleological Society Box 17 The Union UNSW Kensington NSW 2033 QUEENSLAND: Central Queensland Speleological Society PO Box 538 Rockhampton Qld 4700 University Of Queensland Speleological Society The Union University Of Queensland St Lucia Qld 4067 SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Exploration Group South Australia Inc c/- Sth Australian Museum Nth Terrace Adelaide SA 5000 TASMANIA: Northern Caverneers PO Box 315 Launceston Tas 7250 Southern Caving Society PO Box 121 Moonah Tas 7009 Tasmanian Caverneering Club PO Box 416 Sandy Bay Tas 7005 VICTORIA: Victorian Speleological Society GPO Box 5425 CC Melbourne Vic 3001 WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Speleological Reasearch Group Western Australia PO Box 120 Nedlands WA 6009 Western Australia Speleological Group PO Box 67 Nedlands WA 6009

ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS

Avondale Speleological Society c/-20 Avondale Rd Corranbong NSW 2265 Campbelltown Caving And Outdoor Grou PO Box 281 Campbelltown NSW 2560 Chillagoe Caving Club PO Box 92 Cairns Qld 4870 Cave Rescue Group of PO Box 122 Bankstown NSW 2200 Mount Isa Cave Explorers PO Box 2328 Mount Isa Qld 4825 North West Walking Club PO Box 107 Ulverstone Tas 7315 North Queensland Speleological Association 1 Boden St Edge Hill Qld 4870 Papau New Guinea Exploration Group c/-G Francis PO Box 1824 Port Moresby PNG Scout Caving Group South Australia c/-44 Fullarton Rd Norwood SA 5067 Sydney Speleological Society PO Box 198 Broadway NSW 2007 Tasmanian Cave and Group Top End Speleological Society c/- PO Jabiru Nth Territory 5799 EXECliTIVE OFFICERS

Please write direct to the Officer concerned

EXECliTIVE COMMITI'EE MEMBERS

President Lloyd Robinson 167 Mt.Keira Rd. Mt.Keira NSW 2500 042 29 6221 Past President John Dunkley 3 Stops Place Chifley ACT 2606 062 81 0664 Vice Presidents Mike Armstrong 90 Gahans Ave Woonona NSW 2517 042 84 6829 Ian Mann 28 Stephen St Lawson NSW 2783 047 59 1890 Kevin Matt 3 Harcourt Rd Payneham SA 5070 08 42 2441 Andy Spate 2 Hoskins St Hall ACT 2618 062 30 2322 Secretary Chris Dunne PO Box 388 Broadway NSW 2007 02 560 1496 Assistant Secretary Derek Hobbs Cairns Rd Glenorie NSW 2157 02 652 1767 Treasurer Lloyd Mill 11 Warner St Essendon VIC 3040 03 379 8625

CONVENORS OF COMMISSIONS

Administration Miles Pierce 42 Victoria Cres Mont Albert VIC 3127 03 89 8319 Awards John Dunkley 3 Stops Place Chifley ACT 2606 062 81 0664 Bibliography Gregory Middleton PO Box 269 Sandy Bay TAS 7005 Cave Documentation Peter Mathews 66 Frogmore Cres Park Orchards VIC311 03 876 1487 Cave Safety Judith Bateman PO Box 230 Milsons Pt NSW 2061 02 929 0432 Cave Tourism & Mgmt Elery Hamilton-Smith PO Box 36 Carlton South VIC 3053 Conservation International Relns John Dunkley 3 Stops Place Chifley ACT 2606 062 81 0664 Library Andrew Spate 2 Hoskins St Hall ACT 2618 062 30 2322 Newsletter Editor Kerrie Bennett 90 Gahans Ave Woonona NSW 2517 042 84 6829 Newsletter Manager Ian Mann 28 Stephen St Lawson NSW 2783 047 59 1890 Survey & Mapping Standards Ken Grimes 13 Dewar Tee Sherwood QLD 4075 07 397 3895

CONVENORS OF AD HOC COMMITI'KES

Beginners Manual Mike Armstrong 90 Gahans Av Woonona NSW 2517 042 846 829 Jenolan World Heritage Nomination John Dunkley 3 Stops Place Chifley ACT 2606 062 81 0664 Individual Membership Elery Hamilton-Smith PO Box 36 Carlton South VIC 3053 Insurance Scott Macfarlane 35 Barnetts Rd Winston Hills NSW 2153 Karst Database Policy Peter Dykes 51 McLachlan St Orange NSW 2800 Microcomputer Developments Terry O'Leary PO Box 7 Beaconsfield NSW 2015 02 319 1930 National Estate Karst Review Nick White 123 Mannington St West Parkville VIC 3052 Publications Evalt Crabb PO Box 154 Liverpool NSW 2170 02 607 2142 Cave Convict Philip Mackey 24 Drysdale Ave Frankston VIC 3199 03 783 4538 Speleomania Stuart Nicholas 7 Rupert Ave New Town TAS 7009 002 28 3054 Speleotec '87 Ian Mann 28 Stephen St Lawson NSW 2783 047 59 1890 1989 Conference c/- Chillagoe Caving Club

CONVENORS OF STATE SPELEOLOGICAL COUNCILS

NSW Speleological Evalt Crabb PO Box 154 Liverpool NSW 2170 02 607 2142 Council AUSTRALIAN

THE AUSTRALIAN SPELEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY CAVER Nol10 1986 ISSN. 0313-413 Formerly A.S.F. Newsletter

CONTENTS

Early Cave Sketches - Guy McKanna ...... 2 Lime, and the First - E. A. Lane ...... 5 Australian Cave Art - R. G. Bednarik ...... 10 1984 National Cave Rescue Seminar- John Watson ...... 12 Karst Protection - Guy McKanna ...... 14 Deua National Park ...... 15 Mt Etna - The Battle Continues - Peter Berrill ...... 16 Bolting in Caves - Alan Warild ...... 17 New Executives - Ellie Mcfadyen ...... 18 Down Under All Over ...... 20

All articles, reports. tests. photos DEADLINE FOR COPY and reviews are welcomed for pub­ All articles should be submitted to /ication. the editor by the end of These may be sent to~:- FEBRUARY MAY EDITOR: Kerrie Bennett AUGUST 90 Gahans Ave NOVEMBER Woonona 2517 Ph. (042) 846829 If you find writing a chore. why not phone the editor directly??? AUSTRALIAN SPELEOLOGICAL FEDERATION INC. COVER PHOTOGRAPH PO. Box 388 Wombeyan Caves - North of Arch Broadway. N.S.W. 2007 Watercolour by Conrad Martens, 1872. Courtesy Mitchell Library NEWSLETTER The opinions expressed in this MANAGER: tan Mann journal are not necessarily those of 28 Stephen St. the A.S.F Inc. or the Editor. Lawson 2783 Ph. (041) 591890 Page 2 AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986)

EARLY CAVE SKETCHES

Guy McKanna

To celebrate this early issue of the cave localities as they were at "Australian Caver" we have gathered that time providing a basis for compari­ together a portfolio of some of the son with development, natural and human, earliest representations of Australian of these features. caves. A history, by E.A.Lane of the It is interesting to note that discovery of Australian caves is re­ the "Tallendum Cave at Cavan Caves near printed in this issue by courtesy of Yass" is what P.G. King called, and the Australian Museum. LANE has men­ what we now refer to, as Wee Jasper. tioned some earlier sketches by Augustus Conrad Martens calls Abercrombie Earle, c .1826, that were not able to Arch and Caves - Burrangalong. Was the be readily located. area near Wee Jasper - Burrinjuck ( now The sketches by P .G. King and flooded) corrupted from this? Conrad Martens appear to be some of I would like to thank the Mitche 11 the oldest surviving renderings of Library, Sydney and Dixson Galleries, caves by Europeans in this country. Sydney for their permission to re­ They are over 150 years old and show produce the sketches in this issue .

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Pencil Sketch by Conrad Martens, May 1843 Courtesy Dixson Galle rie s.

Burrangalong Cavern - View of South Side of (Abet~ c rombie) i'.l'ch.

Pencil Sketch by Conrad Martens, May 1843 Courtesy Dixson Galleries. AUSTRALIAN Caver No. 110 (1986) Page 1

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Above Burrangalong Cavern on the . Pencil Sketch by Conrad Martens, 21st May, 1843. Courtesy Dixson Library.

Right Arched Entrance to Tallendum Cave Cavan Caves, near Yass. Pencil drawing by P.G. King, 1837 . Courtesy Dixson Library. Page 4 AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986)

Burrangalong Cavern. • Pencil Sketch by Conrad Martens, 23rd May, 1843 Courtesy Dixson Library.

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Burrangalong Cavern. Pencil Sketch by Conrad Martens, 18th May, 1843 Courtesy Dixson Library. AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986) Page 5

LIME, LIMESTONE and the FIRST CAVES

by E.A. Lane

Reproduced with permission from Australian Natural History Volume 18 No.6. Published quarterly by the Australian Museum. Available by subscription only -- 4 issues {1 year) $13; 8 issues (2 years) $25. Cheques /Money Orders should be made payable to the Australian Museum. P.O. Box A 285. Sydney South.

The foundations of Sydney, and an overland route to Jervis Bay. The of Australia, began on January 26, young explorer, Hami 1 ton Hume, not yet 1788 when the first party of soldiers 21 years old, accompanied the party and convicts under Governor Arthur at the request of Governor Lachlan Phillip landed at Sydney Cove to estab­ Macquarie because of his previous jour­ lish a penal settlement. neys of exploration to the Berrima Within a few months of its estab­ district and beyond. On March 25, finding lishment, Sydney's buildings were being themselves confronted with the gorges constructed of brick, suitable clay of the near , having been found close to the new the expedition divided into two parties. town. However, the shortage of lime Throsby went downstream and managed for mortar was desperate. Only by the to find his way to Jervis Bay. Meehan slow and laborious process of collecting and Hume worked upstream (south) along shells around the shore and burniing the high land west of the Shoalhaven. them could a little lime be produced. It is uncertain whether the point In October 1804, Governor Phillip of division reached by the explorers King despatched an expedition under in this wild area of towering limestone the Lieutenant-Governor, Colonel William cliffs and narrow ravines bordering Paterson, to establish a settlement the Shoalhaven River was in the vicinity at Port Dalrymple, near the mouth of of Jerrara Creek or Burigonia ~reek. the River Tamar in the north of Van Suffice to say that they were in lime­ Dieman's Land (Tasmania). stone country and the way had been opened In his first report to Governor for the early discovery of the Bungonia King at the end of December 1804. Caves. Paterson told of the discovery, among In November 1820, Governor Macquarie other building materials, of abundant issued an order permitting graziers quantities of limestone in the area­ to take their cattle to the Marulan "a boon hitherto denied the Terri tory". district with tickets of occupation. This first discovery of limestone in However, because of delays, the earliest Australia was most important as lime permits were not granted until 1822. could now be produced in Tasmania and Areas were soon occupied around the shipped to Sydney. However, limestone present township of Bungonia and along had still to be discovered on the main­ the heights flanking Bungonia Creek, land, and a generation of explorers the nearest property being only a short to come made a point of reporting all distance from the present Caves Heserve. such occurrences. The first report of a cave explo­ The records tell us of the first ration at Bungonia was made by the bot­ limestone discoveries in Australia, anist and explorer, Allan Cunningham, but what were the first cave areas while returning from a journey south reported? Which was the first cave of Lake George. He wrote in his journal actually discovered? Despite consider­ under the date April 27, 1824 that having able documentation, the evidence allows been informed by a settler that a branch substantial room for speculation. The of the Shoalhaven River was nearby, lines of exploration relevant to our he decided to visit the area especially investigation lie south and west of as he would pass over "a curiously per­ Sydney. forated Calcareous Country -- the lime­ On March 3, 1818, a party of ex­ stone extending N. Easterly to the great plorers led by the surgeon and explorer Ravines of the above-mentioned river". Charles Throsby and surveyor James Describing the visit, he said: Meehan, set out from Liverpool, near "We found the land exceeding cavernous, Sydney, in the hope of discovering orifices four feet diameter connected .Page 6 AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986)

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Pagoda in Tallendum Cave "Cavan Caves " near Yass. Pencil drawing by P . G. King, 1837 Courtesy Dixson Library .

with capacious subterranean Excavations, name for the pastoral land near the appeared in every part of the Forestland Molonglo and Rive rs wh e re of whom some presented yawning fissures outcrops of limestone occur) and finally of apparently great depth, whilst others discovered the Monaro Plains. On the again had their apertures or mouth return journey, they discovered 'London nearly c losed up with earth". He con­ Bridge' , south of the present town of tinued that their local guide conducted Queanbeyan. Here Surra Creek has cut the party to a large cavern. Being through a belt of exposed limestone without lights, they did not venture to form "a natural bridge of one perfect far inside but were still able to see Saxon arch". the abrupt and perpendicular chasm In October 1824, an exploration in what is now known as Drum Cave. party consisting of Hamilton Hume, Although first written record of retired sea captain William Hilton Hovell the Bungonia Caves is dated April 27, and six other men set out from Hume 's 1824, the caves obviously were discover­ station near the present town of Gunning ed before that, perhaps as early as to travel overland from the settled 1819 or 1820. In May 1823, Captain areas of New South Wales to Bass Strait. Mark Curie. R.N., (army) Captain John They proceeded on a southwesterly Ovens and bushman Joseph Wild set out course across the plains south of the from Bong Bong near Moss Vale for the present town of Yass. Later naming them country south of Lake George. They the M' Dougall's Plains from the family crossed the Limestone Plains (the early name of Lady Brisbane, wife of the AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986) Page 7

Governor, though calling the area by "lime rocks" and "lime cliffs" near the Aboriginal name "Yarrh" in their the and Mount Lewin. journal. They crossed the Murrumbidgee, This was the first report of limestone noting frequent occurrences of large on the Australian mainland. outcrops of fossiliferous limestone, Among a series of news items date­ continued southwest, rejoining the lined Sydney, the Sydney Gazette, on Murrumbidgee after some miles, this October 6, 1821 published a paragraph time noting high limestone cliffs on as follows: "A cave, of considerable the opposite bank. (This area probably dimensions, has been recently discovered lies between Goodhope and Narrangullen. ) in the neighbourhood of Bathurst; and They continued for some days on a zig­ some very beautiful specimens of zag course, periodically mentioning have been sent to town, limestone in their notes. By October which were procured in it. We hope 28, they reached what I believe to be shortly to be able to lay before our the valley, a few Readers a more particular description~ miles upstream (SSE) of its junction Unfortunately, no further description with the Murrumbidgee. appeared in the Gazette, leaving open The journal of the expedition was the question--"What cave?" The leading subsequently edited by W. Bland and historian of the , the published in Sydney in 1831. The entry late Ward L. Havard, believed this for October 28, notes that the party cave was "the great Abercrombie cavern", travelled thirteen miles along the valle~ with a slight additional chance that In a footnote, Bland added that "in it could be Jeno~an as stockmen were their progress up this valley, there in the vicinity of the Cox and Fish were observed several large and deep Rivers well before this date. On the holes, apparently the outlets of some other hand, it is equally possible considerable subterranean cavities; that the discovery could have been rich, probably, in the organic remains the Cathedral Cave at Wellington as of these regions." Two cave areas occurred this country had also been opened up. in the valley in fairly close proximity Who can tell? the Goodradigbee Caves (now drowned In his journal, Journey Across beneath the waters of Burrinjuck Dam) the Blue Mountains, 1824, Rene Primevere and the caves at Wee Jasper. There is Lesson wrote that the discovery had no way of choosing between the two cave been made of a cavern lying 16 miles areas. One person could opt for the north of Bathurst. "The way through Goodradigbee Caves and another for the it i:::> covered with splendid thick sta­ caves at Wee Jasper. In actual fact lactites of calcareous alabaster as it is quite conceivable that the ex­ white as sugar. The lime derived from plorers observed cave entrances in both it is very adhesive and consequently areas. rated highly; only it is very expen­ In May 1813, a party consisting sive . " A search of J. E. Carne and L. J . of the free settler Gregory Blaxland, Jones' The Limestone Deposits of New Army Lieutenant William Lawson and an South Wales (1919) reveals one cave Australian-born youth, William Charles area fitting Lesson's description Wentworth, found a way across the pre­ Benglen at The Limekilnes about twenty­ viously impenetre.ble barrier to the six kilometres NNE of Bathurst on the west of Sydney--the Blue Mountains. Mount Horrible road. According to Carne In November the same year, Governor and Jones, the caves were of limited Macquarie despatched Surveyor George extent and occurred in marble. The William Evans to cross the Blue Mountains area has long been worked for ornamental and to find a passage into the interior stone, and whether the Benglen Cave of Nev~ South Wales. Evans reached and still exists today or has been quarried named the Bathurst Plains and the I do not know. There is a possibility , proceding some sixty­ that Benglen is the cave referred to five kilometres beyond the present in the Sydney Gazette in 18~ 1, despite city of Bathurst. the conflict of terms between "of con­ In May-June 1815, Evans led an siderable dimensions" and Carne and expedition from Bathurst south to near Jones' "of limited extent." However, the Abercrombie River, explored the the comparative size of a cave is often middle reaches of the Belubula River, in the eye of the beholder. and discovered the . During The Wellington Valley was disco\'­ this expedition he observed and recorded ered and named in August, lBl·,· b~- .. Page 8 AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986)

Lieutenant John Oxley, the Surveyor­ time inhabitant of the district. The General of New South Wales, in company book tells of events allegedly occurring with the Deputy Surveyor-General, George in the Wellington Stockade and surround­ Evans, botanist Allan Cunningham, the ing country between 1822 and 1835. Colonial Botanist, Charles Frazer, John Saville, a convict, arrived at and mineralogist William Parr. During the stockade in 1823, Porter wrote, a further expedition in 1818, Oxley and after being ill-treated, escaped noted the occurrence of limestone in and joined a group of blacks he had the hills bounding the east side of previously befriended. Later, Saville the valley, claiming it as a valuable revealed himself to a prisoner named discovery. On his chart of the interior Dicky Taylor, acquainting him with of New South Wales, published in 1820, "the secret of the now far-famed Oxley noted this limestone as occurring Wellington Caves", which Taylor communi­ a short distance west of the junction cated to the officer in charge of the of the Macquarie and Bell Rivers. How­ settlement. The information was deemed ever, he did not similarly mark the of such importance that Taylor was Wellington Caves limestone on his map. rewarded with a ticket-of-leave. The The first settlement was set up in the introduction to the second edition, valley in March 1823 under the command published in 1947, says that the story of Lieutenant Percy Simpson. The 'popu­ was told to Porter by Richard Taylor, lation' consisted mainly of convicts who was a prisoner at the Wellington and their soldier guards. The stockade Stockade, and other old hands with was positioned about three kilometres whom the writer had come in contact from the caves, between the caves and during a long period of years. the present town of Wellington. On May 14, 1825, the painter and The earliest suggested discovery traveller Augustus Earle, arrived in of the Wellington Caves by Europeaqs Sydney in the Brig Cyprus. In 1826, is published in a book, Eumalga, or he visited the Blue Mountains, the the White Chief. The date of publication Wellington Valley, the Hunter River, of the first edition is not known but Port Stephens and Port Macquarie, re­ the author, Robert Porter, was a long- turning with a portfolio of landscapes

WOMBEYAN CAVES - The Arch. Pencil Sketch by Conrad Martens, 31st Dec, 1841. Courtesy Mitchell Library. AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986) Page 9

and sketches of Aborigines. These in­ only and mixed in utter confusion in cluded the first known pictures of a matrix of cave earth, clay, or as a interiors and exteriors of the breccia. The most important collection Wellington Caves. was made by Major Thomas L. Mitchell, After considerable travelling, the explorer and Surveyor General of Earle joined Charles Darwin aboard New South Wales, also in 1830. Subsequent H.M.S. Beagle on October 28, 1831 as examination and study of these bone artist supernumerary. Later, the artist collections by people such as Professor Conrad Martens joined the Beagle at Robert Jameson in Edinburgh and Professor Montevideo to replace Earle who was Sir Richard Owen in London revealed many leaving Darwin's expedition because surprises. of ill health.Martens came to Sydney Owen wrote to Mitchell in 1838 in 1835, remaining for the rest of that the Wellington fossils were not his life. Apart from the coincidence referable to any known extra-Australian of serving as successive artists on genus of mammals, nor were they referable the Beagle, Martens became the second to any existing species of Australian notable painter to depict Austalian mammal. The greater number of specimens caves. belonged to species either extinct or The earliest written, authenticated not yet discovered living in Australia. reference to the Wellington Caves is Owen was to work for another forty years a letter written at Wellington by on Wellington mat~rial, publishing a Hamilton Hume, on December 4, 1828 series of papers through to the 1880s. and carried by runner to Sydney. Hume For more than 140 years now, paleon­ was accompanying Captain Charles Sturt tologists have been studying fossil bones as second-in-command of an expedition from the Wellington caves, ranging from down the unexplored Macquarie River. the original collections of the 1830s Hume wrote: "There is near this place through to collections made during the a very large and beautiful cave". He past few years. The list of discoveries then described what is now known as consists of a bewildering array of extinct the Cathedral Cave. and existing marsupials together with The expedition leader, Captain monotremes, lizards, snakes, birds, Sturt, in his journal of the expedition, rodents and dingoes. The few human bones refers to "Moulong Plains, a military found in Wellington Caves to date have station intermediat2 between Bathurst been unconnected with the fossils. and Wellington Valley. "Sturt continued Despite their efforts there are that ".the ace idental discovery of some still many mysteries to solve. We can caves at Moulong Plains led to the assume, for example, that the Wellington more critical examination of the whole Valley formerly suported a considerable formation, and cavities of considerable population of animals, but no satisfactory size were subsequently found in various explanation has been put forward as to parts of it, but more particularly why such a huge deposit of fossil bones in the neighbourhood of Wellington should have accumulated within this small Valley." The caves in the Molong dis­ limestone hill. trict are generally small but must be added, along with Wellington, to * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * the earliest discoveries. In 1830, George Hanken of Bathurst COMPlrfKR NEEDS FOR A. S. F. INC. reported the discovery of fossil bones at the Wellington Caves and made the A report on computer needs for A.S.F. first collection of specimens. The Inc. is being compiled by: cave concerned was probably the Breccia Cave, whose entrance was a small ver­ Terry O'Leary tical shaft close to the entrance to P.O.Box 7 the Cathedral Cave. A report of this Beaconsfield momentous discovery appeared as a letter N. S. W. 2015. in the Sydney Gazette of May 25, 18 30 over the signature 'L'. It was almost If you have any comment or opinion, please certainly written by the Rev. Dr. John send a written submission to Terry O'Leary Dunmore Lang who took a great interest by August 1986. in the bone collections. Numerous other collections of fossil bones followed. Few bones were recovered intact, most being fragments Page 10 AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986)

AUSTRALIAN CAVE ART

R. G. BEDNARIK

Cave art, that is, rock art of a tra­ clear criteria had to be established dition that appears to have had a for distinguishing archaic human cave marked preference for deep caves, markings from animal scratch marks, and was completely unknown in Australia we believe today that it is quite possible until quite recently. Dr. Gallus inves­ for · the experienced observer to achieve tigated extensive linear markings that separation in nearly all instances. in , on the Nullarbor, during the 1960s and found them to The Parietal Markings Project, as we be human finger flutings and incised call our study, includes also the survey parallel lines. Gallus, and later of similar markings in overseas caves. Wright, claimed considerable antiquity Many caves with finger flutings, for for this find which was difficult example, have been examined in western to reconcile with the ethnographic Europe, and compared with our Australian evidence that Aborigines did not enter finds. As a result of these studies, deep caves, considering them as abodes new theories have already been proposed of evil spirit beings. concerning the advent of the advanced human intellect during the early Upper In 1977 the Victoria Archaeological Palaeolithic period. Several scientific Survey found a small panel of similar reports have been published on our find­ markings in a cave on the , ings and many more are being prepared. in eastern Victor"ia. In the following year I investigated subparallel, linear Australian cave art does not consist markings in Orchestra Shell Cave near of one single tradition. At the numerous Perth that had been described by an si tEE near Mount Gambier we distinguished archaeologist as having been made three traditions which are clearly sepa­ by people using animal claws. I fuund rate chronologlcally and sty 1 i-stic.ally. them to be finger markings that were The oldest, consisting of finger scrawls overgrown by a later deposit of reprec­ on formerly soft deposits, is ipitated carbonate. It began to dawn probably older than 20,000 or 30,000 on me that there may be more to be years and belongs to the oldest form found in Australian caves than had of artistic expression in the world. been assumed by our prehistorians. The second style is expressed in deeply Upon searching another limestone region carved, always nonfigurative though often that of Mount Gambier in South Aust­ very complex and elaborate motifs. It ralia, I was not surprised to locate appears to be related to archaic rock two further caves with extensive mark­ art in northern Queensland, which is ings. That was late in 1980. Since over 15,000 years old, and to the rock then, over a hundred caves have been art of Tasmania, where it was perhaps examined in the Mount Gambier area introduced before the island became de­ alone, and confirmed prehistoric human tached towards the end of the Pleistocene. markings were located in twenty of We call this the "Karake Style", after them. In addition two further cave the cave where it was first identified. art sites were recently discovered Finally, we have in some of the caves by me in Western Australia. In view a tradition of shallow motifs that were of these finds it is reasonable to incised with single strokes and are much say that one of the world's two major younger again. concentrations of cave art exists along the southern coast of the Aust­ The unique cave art of Australia does ralian continent, from Perth to Buchan. not present us with pretty pictures and lively images of a long gone past, but Wall or ceiling markings are present it does enable us to come face to face in practically all caves we have exam­ with externalisations of human concepts ined, but it must be emphasised that of reality that differ significantly the vast majority, more than 99 percent from that which we regard as the only are natural marks, mostly those of valid one. Because it will help us in animals. It soon became apparent that answering important questions about the AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986) Page11 formulation of human world views, and Finally, I would like to bring to the in solving other aspects of the develop­ attention of the speleologist assembled ment of our intellect, this prehistoric here the existence of a new organisation, phenomenom is of considerable · scien­ the Australian Rock Art Research Assoc­ tific importance. The project of explor­ iation, also known by its acronym, AURA. ing it is conducted and supported by The project just described is conducted a number of people, particularly in under the auspices of this association, South Australia. This includes several as are others. AURA produces a substantial members of the Cave Exploration Group international journal that is read in of South Australia, and I welcome this some 35 countries and is the leading opportunity to thank them for their English language serial on rock art re­ help and co-operation, and to express search. The speaker is himself an AURA my hope that this collaboration will member, and should you be interested continue to be as fruitful. in further information about the recently discovered cave art of Australia, he would be happy to discuss your queries, or to direct them to AURA.

************************************************************************************* 7th INTERNATIONAL CAVE RESCUE CONFERENCE We will provide any further infor­ mation in the next circular letter Dear Colleagues, to be sent in the first months of 1986. Referring to the task we were entrusted with by the I.U.S. Commission Please send all conference mail to: for Cave Rescue and Prevention at the 6th International Cave Rescue Conference Mr. Mario Gherbaz in Aggtelek (Hungary) in 1983, we are General Organizer of the 7th glad to inform you that the Corpo Nazio­ International Cave Rescue Conference nale Soccorso Alpino - Sezione Speleo­ logica (Italian Cave Rescue Organization. C/o C.N.S.A.-Sez. Speleologica C.N.S.A.-S.S.) is working for its reali­ Via S. Francesco sation. 3 - 34133 TRIESTE The 7th International Cave Rescue ITALY. Conference will be held in Italy, in the Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia from August 29, to September 5, 1987 2nd Multidisciplin&r7 Conrerence on in the towns of Cividale del Friuli and the Hnviron.ental ~cts and Trieste and will be organized by of Karst.- the 2nd Group of N.C.S.A.-S.S. Conference participation is open In FebruarY, 1987, the Florida to all voluntary members of the various Research Institute will host Cave Rescue Organizations and to all the "Second Multidisciplinary Conference cavers interested in these topics. on Sinkholes and the Environmental The participation fee, which inclu­ Impacts of Karst". This meeting will des bed and board in a specially arrang­ be held in Orlando, Florida, USA, and ed lodging during the whole Conference will cover the geology and engineering events with tourist-excursions, speleo­ of karst areas with emphasis on sink­ logical trips and Conference final holes and practical applications, the party, quotes L.180.000.- for parti­ hydrogeology and environmental problems cipants and L.130.000.- for accompanying of karst, international examples of persons. applied karst geology and hydrology, Reports are to be presented in and specific engineering considerations one of the I.U.S. - official languages. of karst terrane. The meeting is multi­ During the Conference there will disciplinary in nature and will be be a simultaneous translation service. of interest to geologists, geographers, Sightseeing-tours (Venice) and engineers, hydrologists, and all pro­ speleological tours (Classic Karst, fessionals who deal with karst. Canin-Plateau, Mount Bernadia) are foreseen. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Page 12 AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986)

1984 NATIONAL CAVE RESCUE SEMINAR John Watson During the winter of 1984, I spent On the basic course, we were introduced 3 man ths in the U.S. A. and two weeks to cave search and rescue theory and in Canada, under the auspices of a topics such as stretcher designs, stretch­ Churchill Fellowship. My objective er handling, underground medical manage­ was to study the management of national ment, hauling and lowering systems, equip­ parks and wildnerness areas of the ment limitations etc. We practiced stret­ western U.S.A. with special reference cher handling on two 'artificial' cave to visitor safety. I planned an itine­ courses made of upended picnic tables, rary to include visits to many national benches etc. Two sessions were spent parks and national forest areas, with on nearby cliffs to practice stretcher potentially hazardous features such lowering techniques. Only on the third as rock faces (Grand Teton National day of the course were we taken under­ Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, ground and given two cave passages to Yosemite National Park), canyons/gorges safely negotiate with a stretcher and (Grand Canyon National Park), water 'patient'. These excercises quickly br­ hazards (parks along, the Californian ought out t~e difficulties of working and Oregon coastline) and caves (Wind in the dark and in relatively tight pass­ Caves National Park, Lava Caves of ages. Our group successfully managed Central Oregon and a total of nine to jam the stretcher in a 10" high sloping show caves open to tourists). crawlway and failed miserably in attemp­ ting to cross a 20 foot deep pit. On A highlight of my tour was the National the second passage, we began to develop Speleological Society National Cave into a more co-ordinated team and had Rescue Commission (NCRC) annual seminar few difficulties in negotiating a series held at , South of crawl ways, one squeeze and a downward Dakota, June 17-23. The gathering spiralling chimney. comprised a total of 12 instructors and staff, 6 advanced students and The highlight of the week was the mock 25 basic students. The participants rescue. One person was appointed as the were from throughout the United States rescue co-ordinator but otherwise it and Canada, with myself as the only was left to the group to organise itself. overseas visitor. A section of the The callout eventually came in the middle national park campsite was specially of breakfast when one of the instructors reserved and a lecture room and outdoor burst into the room with a largely inco­ training areas were also provided herent tale of two lost companions. One by the National Park Service. Most suffering from uncontrolled diabetes participants contributed to a total and the other from a fall. food plan for the week. This was exce­ llent, because not only did it work Although it turned out that the accident out to be good value (fixed numbers scene was a mere 15 minutes of reasonable and a fixed menu) but it meant that caving from the entrance to Wind Cave, participants could devote more time due to the complexity of the cave system, to the course without the hassles it took some five hours and three advance of cooking at the end of a hard day 'bash' parties to locate the scene. One or in a state of semi-wakedness at of the 'cavers' was found unconscious breakfast time. and stuck in a narrow crack and the other had a broken leg. Both were at the bottom The course comprised morning lectures of a corkscrew pit/fissure combination. and practical exercises in the after­ It took considerable time to extricate noons. Some evening sessions were the unconscious caver from the crack also held. The basic and advanced and to stabilise both patients in stretch­ students had different sessions through ers ready for raising out of the pit. out the first four days, but were We then hit difficulties in the raise brought together as a team of 33 per­ due to a combination of factors including: sons for an all day mock rescue and insufficient edge rollers in the corkscrew for a half day critique on the final pit, limited belay points around the , day. roof of the pit which made it difficult AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986) Page 13

to position the top edge roller in It did bring out the intricacies of ·a the most desirable position, confused big operation, including surface control, communications despite the use of communications etc. It clearly illustra­ field telephones between the top and ted the complexities of cave rescue, bottom of the pit, and increasing considering that it took the team 6 tiredness of the participants. Around hours to locate the accident scene and 9.00pm, one of the main anchors at that ~ith a relatively expert team of the top of the pit began to move over 30 people, things went so wrong. as it was a rather large bundi - like In a real callout, it would be unusual a ton or so the mock rescue was to have such a large and well-trained immediately aborted and became a 'for team to hand. real' evacuation. Some two hours later everyone was reassembled safely on I have a copy of the course program the surface and an incredible heap and the NCRC Training Manual also of gear brought out of the cave. After a small number of colour slides taken a quick head count, overnight guards during the above ground sessions of were placed on the gear and the criti­ the seminar. I am hoping to obtain an que left until the next morning. edited videotape of the seminar, which may include some of the underground The critique was extremely valuable. action including portions of the mock We worked through all aspects of the rescue. rescue, such as co-ordination, surface control, communiations, the initial Finally, I would urge anyone with caving search, activities at the base of interest and experience to attend one the pit, the unsuccessful raise and of these seminars if ever they have the feelings of the 2 accident victims. the chance many of the techniques taught could save the lives of yourself My own involvement in the mock rescue or your companions in a small group was initially assisting at the surface accident situation, and you would cer­ field control base, recording the tainly be far better prepared to play movements of team personnel. Later, an effective role in a large cave rescue I was assigned to the small communicat­ operation. ions team which had to establish field telephone contact between the bottom of the pit, the top of the pit and JOHN WATSON (W.A.S.G.) the surface. Once this was set up, I joined the haul party at the top REGIONAL MANAGER. of the pit and operated a Gibbs safety SOUTH COAST REGION (ALBANY). on the main haul line during an early attempt to raise the first patient, DEPT.CONSERVATION AND LAND MANAGEMENT. which resulted in the stretcher jamming WESTERN AUSTRALIA. in the fissure. After lowering it back to the floor pit, I returned * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * to the surface to let someone else operate the safety. Shortly after INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP reaching the surface, we heard of Pending proposed constitutional the unstable anchor, so I just missed changes to allow a form of non-voting the 'action' in fact I would have individual membership of A.S.F. Inc, been right next to the failing anchor! an interim Individual Associate scheme In retrospect, I think the proposed has been established. Applications can extrication of two stretchers up a be directed to Mr. Chris Dunne corkscrew pit was somewhat ambitious. Secretary The course instructors should have A.S.F. Inc. recognised that the basic students P.O.Box 388 had only practised raising a stretcher Broadway plus attendants up steep grassy slopes­ N.S.W. 2007 a straight pull in the open air. This was much easier than tackling a tight corkscrew pit complete with fissure. The fe~ for individual associates is $30.00. Nevertheless, the mock rescue was an excellent climax to the course Page 14 AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986)

KARST PROTECTION Quy McKanna

Karst is a natural resource. Due to the Whilst those with restricted/permit slow rate of cave formation it can access may only be used for scientific, be virtually considered a non-renewable (including surveying) exploration, resource. Karst therefore requires familiarisation, and cleaning trips. management if it is to be utilised Sporting cavers could provide support/ in the future as well as now. Over­ backup for such trips. An A.S.F. member­ use of this resource not only wears ship card seems to be desirable, as down the intricate features of our would some form of testing to assure caves, but can also cause 'political' competence of Federation cavers. and other problems, such as those in N.S.W. The main aim of the Federation i~ to protect our karst heritage as well as For example, the N.S.W Department of our rights to cave. The Government has Tourism (the "manager" of most caves shown that it obviously cannot do this in N. S. W. ) , is now restricting speleo adequately. So it is up to us. Please access to permit controlled caving remember your responsibilities to the areas, only granting scientific based environment, each other and the future, trips to these areas. The Department when caving. once again has decided to brush aside "sporting" caving. What the Department * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * tends to do is include exploration and familiarisation in their category of sporting caving. Both of these ac­ DO YOU HAVE SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE OF ANY tivities are extremely necessary and PARTICULAR CAVING AREA? beneficial facets of . Whilst the problem is that the Department If you feel you have information does not understand the value and need that may be useful about certain caving for speleology, it affects us, the areas or even particular caves to the speleo in that the science/sport is Cave Rescue Group of New South Wales. being threatened, by bureaucracy yet again. PLEASE GIVE US THE BENEFIT OF YOUR SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE. The Federation was established to try and resolve these problems. Another We are trying to compile a list relevant example of this problem result­ .of cavers, who can supply detailed data ed in the formation of the Cave Divers about caving areas for use in a possible Association of Australia. The C.D.A.A. rescue situation. was established by concerned divers, We are also interesLed in hearing not only to protect sink-holes and from you if you feel you can offer assis­ their formations from wanton and un­ tance and wish your name added to a list intentional damage by over-use but of cavers who are willing to help in also the divers rights to dive the rescue situations. sink-holes. Numerous diving fatalities Besides these soft options the Cave concerned the Government so much so Rescue Group can use new members. If that they almost decided to stop cave you are interested in helping please diving all together. The formation contact:- and categorization of sink-holes and divers; a self regulating plan of The Cave Rescue Group management, has kept the sink-holes P.O. Box 122 accessible and made divers more aware. Bankstown. 2200 N.S.W.

Possibly a similar system, (though Or Phone: less rigid for functionality), could Mike Lake (02) 524-5299(H) (02)6923145(wk) benefit the Federation. Non permit Grace Matts (02) 70-0374(H) areas and caves that flood regularly, Terry O'Leary (02) 319-1930(H) (self-cleansing caves), could be uti- lised predominantly for sporti~g caving. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

--~~~--~~~-~~~------~------AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986) Page 15 Deua National Park Dear Sir, The National Parks and Wildlife Service caves that are not known to the general is responsible for managing more than public a full list of caves for 20% of· the approximately 90 cavernous Deua National Park and their classifi­ areas in N. S. W. ; five of these occur cations will not be provided. To determine within the Deua National Park. These before hand if a permit or other areas include the Wyanbene Caves, the restrictions apply to the cave(s) you Big Hole, Marble Arch and the Bendethra or your group intend visiting, please Caves. The important values and high contact the Narooma District Office by significance of these cave areas has phoning (044) 762798. long been recognised with "Reserves for the Preservation of Caves" dating Your co-operation in this matter back to the 1800's. In the past the is appreciated. caves have had very little active management and none since the turn Yours faithfully, of the century until the gazettal of P. Cope the Deua National Park in 1979. for DIRECTOR.

Increasing community interest in sport caving has resulted in pressures on CONDITIONS GOVERNING ACCESS TO CAVES WITHIN the caves r1s1ng dramatically and DEUA NATIONAL PARK several of them, chiefly Wyanbene and Bendethra caves, have suffered 1. All groups proposing to use the caves unacceptable impacts from visitor use. within Deua National Park are to provide the Officer-In-Charge, Narooma District, In response to this and other potential with an annually updated list of the office problems the Service will aim to achieve bearers, their addresses and telephone the following management objectives numbers. This information is required for karst areas in Deua National Park in the event of an emergency. until a statutory Plan of Management is adopted: 2. Applications for a visiting permit for certain caves must be lodged with * to protect karst and its associated the Officer-In-Charge, Narooma District natural and cultural resources. at least four weeks before the date of the visit and not more than 10 weeks in * to encourage scientific and advance. To determine if a permit or re­ educational enquiry into environ­ strictions apply to the cave you or your mental features and processes, group intend visiting, contact the Narooma prehistoric and historic features District office by phoning (044) 76 2798. and management of park use. J. For caves that require a visiting * to provide appropriate recreational permit, or consent to enter, the maximum opportunities. number of of cavers on any one trip is to be six, with a minimum of four. The * to increase public understanding maximum number of climbers on any one of karst resources. trip into the Big Hole, is to nine with a minimum of four and a minimum surface All caves in the Park have been party of two. classified according to the Australian Speleological Federation classification 4. Each trip is to be under the guidance system. To achieve the protection re­ of a fully experienced leader who will quired and provide for appropriate be responsible for the safety and conduct use by the public, a formalised system of the party and for the party's of visitor use of caves in Deua National compliance with the conditions. Park will be adopted as of the 6th July 1986. In some cases there are 5. Each application is to include the restrictions on the type and level nc.me of at least two party members. of use (see attachment). 6. Groups must abide by the decision of In order to protect some sensitive the Officer-In-Charge in respect of caves Page 16 AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986) they may enter, the nature of work a report on each permit visit is ex­ to be done, the location of base camp, pected within fourteen days. Please access provisions and any other special use the attached caving report form. conditions related to the visit. 10. These conditions as well as those 1. Contact must be made either in person on the reverse side of permit application or by telephone, one or two days before forms and permits, are to be brought the visit, with either the Narooma to the attention of all cavers in the District Office (044) 76 2798 or party. Braidwood Office (048) 42 2075. 11. The requirements of the National 8. All flora and fauna, rocks, minerals Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 and and fossils within National Parks are Regulations under the act must be protected, both on the surface and followed at all times. within caves. No person may 'disturb Note: I I I I or collect' without a current scientific consent from the Service. There are Permit Forms and Caving Report Forms available from: 9. A group shall make available to N.P. & W.S. the Service, copies of all reports, Narooma District maps and other material prepared as P.O. Box 282 a result of investigations in the area; Narooma, N.S.W. 2546. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mt Etna- The Battle Continues Just a short report to let ASF had no official comment from the company. know the CQSS is still active and As for National Parks - well! They seem desperately fighting for Mt. Etna. to be working against us. The Ranger I (Peter Berrill, President) have just responsible for Limestone Ridge National started (2 years) caving again after Park, named "Fitzroy Caves National a spe 11 of 8-10 years and can see no Park" is not allowed to officially go advancement on the Conservation issue on Mt. Etna and cannot make any statement after all this time. It is not for on the issue. the want of trying by the CQSS and When they exhaust their present UQSS. The State Governments attitude supply of limestone the next area is to us is negative and the National the Cavernous Face of Mt. Etna. At this Parks seem to be on the side of Central stage we don't look like stopping them. Queensland Cement! We, the UQSS and CQSS , have tried all CQC are presently mining a hill avenues available but come up against of limestone to the immediate west a brick wall. of Mt. Etna. Our active membership only numbers They have levelled this hill and about 12 and with limited numbers it are going to open cut mine. The open­ is hard to achieve much. cut operations have destroyed at least As I previously said I have rejoined 1 known cave. This cave was found one the club after a spell of some years night by the members and named "Crystal and I am trying to regenerate member­ Cave". It has since been completely ship and interest to help the issue. destroyed. It was photographed exten­ We have been battling now for at sively because of the quality of least 20 years. It may be the longest cave decorations. running conservation battle in Australia The formation in this cave would ~nd they are still mining away our caves have equalled anything in the World. and turning them into cement. We need Quite a statement I know! but I think numbers to help. it is true. The cave did not have a At this stage the only alternative bare patch of limestone. It was too left seems to be to go underground to beautiful for words to describe. stop them. This has been considered The m1n1ng has about 2 years of by a number of members, but is still supply left at their present sight only a personal issue. and we have stepped up the battle to try and force the issue, but as yethave Peter Berrill AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986) Page 17 ------~--

BOLTING IN CAVES

Alan Warild A recent trip to Maydena has forced me In this case the 7 bolts along the wall to make a few comments regarding bolts are unnecessary. Setting bolts can often in our caves. be a "displacement activity" to avoid the "awesome drop below." Any of the I believe in placing bolts in caves. 7 make a useful handlirie for getting Once in,they make rigging faster, safer on and off rope without interfering with and lighter. The problem is that there the pitch above, so one of them isn't appears to be an alarming number of totally wasted. people who have very little idea about how to best use bolts. This is not With the exception of traverse lines surprising, considering how little to get out over the ·pitch it is well worth practise the average Australian caver the time to "test hang" the rope from gets in using them. the proposed bolt position. Don't be afraid to hang out in some odd position So possibly a few pointers are in order: for 20 minutes to place a bolt. I've seen people use 'skyhooks' to cling in The position of the bolt is most impor­ impossibl~ positions, just to get that tant. After all, the main reason for 'perfect hang'. If you do your job well using bolts is to put an anchor in enough the next caver will have no option a place where nature didn't provide but to use the good rig-point you've one. Be especially careful to place provided. bolts so that the rope will hang free below. In most cases you have wasted While you're out there, take care to your time if you need a protector below set the ancho!? properly. Before you the bolt where the rope goes over an actually set it, use the drill to "sculpt" edge. the edge of the hole so that the anchor will lie flush, or just below the surface. One exampl~ to illustrate my point:­ (It helps to overdrill the hole by 1mm- The top of the last pitch in Dwarrowdelf 2mm. Most new drivers are designed to probably has the worst case of "Bolt­ let you do this).Then smooth the surround­ Rash" in Australia -9 bolts when 2 or ing rock so that the hanger will sit 3 woEld suffice. well. Do all this smoothing last so that you don't have to drill a hole with a blunt drill. Page 18 AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986)

When you leave, take your hangers with Finally, place bolts with discretion. you. In wet caves especially, they Perhaps the best one is that which will only increase corrosion of the anchor never be found again. Normally it is unless well greased. It is also helpful best to place them so they are readily to take some tool (wire hook, spark­ visible to avoid a later caver missing plug cleaner etc.) for cleaning out yours and putting another nearby. dirty anchors. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Bolts 1n• Maydena Caves

If you have a copy of "Vertical Caves pitch into the streamway has 2 if you of Tasmania" these few update tackle traverse out from the eyebolt. notes may be useful. All directions are taken facing down Dwarrowdelf - 2nd pitch 1 well out (as in the guide) around the corner on the left wall. 3rd pitch - 2 old bash­ Ice Tube - "Degenerated Man" now has ins plus a slightly cross threaded 8mm 2 bolts. Fabulous Spangly Part 11 at the top and 1 good one at - lOrn on has 1 bolt. Maelstrom has 2 bolts the left wall. out on the left wall, one at head 4th pitch 1 on the height and another at - 5 metres and edge out left. further out. 5th pitch - 1 at - 15m well out on the right wall, just below Kazad Diim. - Both drops in the bypass a small step. above streamway have new bolts. The 6th pitch two for a lOrn pitch has 1 on the spike opposite "Y" belay at the far end of the slot. and below the eyebolt and the 20m 4 good spares on the wall for a handline! Alan Warild * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Executives

In January of 1986, at the ASF meeting, Cave in Western Australia. (which is several new members were elected to a particularly good example of how the executive. a tourist cave can be developed).

LLOYD ROBINSON Lloyd Robinson is There are four Vice Presidents, Mike the new ASF President. He's an active Armstrong, Ian Mann, Kevin Mott, and member of ISS, where he has been Presi­ Andy Spate. dent and Vice President, and a long time member of SSS. Lloyd has been MIKE ARMSTRONG Mike is currently caving for forty years and could perhaps President of ISS. He used to be a member claim to be the longest active caver of MUSIG (pre MUCG) where, at various in Australia. (any challengers?) He times, he has held the positions of has covered most caving areas in Austra­ President, Vice President and Treasurer. lia, although there are one or two Mike has been caving for sixteen years he admits he hasn't visited yet, such and has managed to cave in most states as Wee Jasper. Lloyd has mainly been in Australia. involved in expedition-style caving to the Kimberleys or other parts of He has been involved in a fair bit Western Australia. of work around Mt. FAiry, mapping at Jenolan, especially Mammoth Cave, and Although mainly interested in cave cave exploration in the Central West photography and exploration, Lloyd of NSW, in areas such as Apsley and has had wide caving experience ranging Narrigal. Mike is a geologist who likes from lighting to cave management studies rocks and Coopers Ale. to driving a tourist tunnel into Jewel AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986) Page 19

IAN MANN - Ian is also our Newsletter DEREK HOBBS - Our new assistant Secre­ Manager. He has been caving for a number tary has been caving for 10 years. of years and has caved in a fair number He is a member of MUCG where, over of the areas in Australia, including the the years, he's been President, Secre­ Kimberlys and Tasmania. Ian is a member tary, Treasurer, ASF Rep., and Pub­ of SUSS where he has been President and licity Officer. He has been to most Secretary. Ian is the organizer of of the more common caving areas in SPELEOTEC 87, which promises to be an N.S.W., as well as New Guinea, the interesting event, so make sure your'e Nullarbor (several times) and Tasmania. there!! Histoplasmosis is Derek's special KEVIN MOTT Kevin, at various times, interest (he doesn't have it!). Speci­ has been President, Vice President, Secre­ fically, he writes case reviews of tary, Quarter Master and in charge of cavers with histoplasmosis. Search and Rescue of CEGSA, and can also LLOYD MILL Lloyd is our Treasurer eat eggs raw. He's been caving for fourteen and is the 4th in the history of ASF. years, mainly at Narracourte, Mt. Gambier, The Treasurers have a tradition of Flinders Ranges, and the Nullarbor. Kevin serving for 10 years ( ?????) so Lloyd is interested in cave photography and is likely to be with us for a few more surveying and more recently in Park Manage­ years. He is a member of the VSA and ment and Cave Reserves. in the past has been a member of the Monash Bushwalking Club. Lloyd has ANDY SPATE Andy is currently a member been caving for 13 years, covering of CSS. In the past he has belonged to all of Victoria, and including Chilligo~ NUCC, VCES, VSA, and YRG. At various times Margaret River, Tasmania and New Zealand he has been ASF Treasurer, Committee Member He is especially interested in surveying Vice President, Librarian, and Convenor and bureaucracy. of the Conservation Commission. Andy is a corresponding member of the Bibliographic KERRIE BENNETT - Kerrie is the News­ Commission of the IUS and of the Commission letter Editor. She's been caving for on Man's Impact on Karst of IGU. lie has 12 years, first of all with MUSIG, also been involved with the ASF consultancy then MUSIG SOUTH COAST, and now with teams on the Nullarbor, Tartaroola, and ISS. Kerrie has caved all over N. S. W. , the Kimberleys. In his twenty-eight years but her favourite area is Wyanbene. of caving, he has caved in all the states of Australia (except N.T.) and New Zealand. Her special interest at present is Andy takes particular interest in Yarrango­ the rearing of a new generation of billy, Coolamon, The Nullarbor, cave manag­ cavers in the shape of Robbie and ement, tourist cave presentation, caver/ Geoffrey. tourist impact on caves, karst processes, hydrology of karstic terrain, caver/bat * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * interaction, flora of karst areas and NIB ICON the avoidance of tight squeezes and verti­ cal drops. It was resolved at the ASF Committee Meeting, Jan 1986 that all Nibicon CHRIS DUNNE - Chris is our new secretary. material be commercially copied, with He has been acting in the position of funds from the Nibicon account, for Assistant Secretary since Guy McKanna archival purposes. the surplus funds went overseas last December. Chris started will be advertised in "Australian Caver" out caving with scouts and later joined as available for return to the original NSWITS and more recently SUSS and HCG. subscribers. Subscribers will be invited He has been on the committee of all three to donate their monies to A.S.F. Inc. at different times as either President, publication funds. Their availability Secretary or Treasurer and ASF Rep. will end three months after the date of publication in "Australian Caver". He has caved in Tasmania, the Nullarbor If you wish to have your subscription and extensively in N.S.W. His favorite returned, please contact: Mr. Chris areas are Coolamon, Mole Creek, the Nullar­ Dunne, Secretary, A.S.F. Inc. bor and Bungonia. Chris is especially P.O.Box 388 interested in geomorphology and digging Broadway at Bungonia (he refuses to divulge the N.S.W. 2007. site). Page 20 AUSTRALIAN CAVER No. 110 (1986)

DOWN UNDER ALL OVER

CQSS: Club members have been very unreported) was made in a grotty little active during the past few months, hole at Ida Bay. The short vertical with the discovery of a major new entrance shaft was discovered in 1982 cave on "Limestone Ridge" - Tourists by a southern caver looking for a place trips to Bat Cleft, Mt. Etna and to perform a normal bodily function. assisting a number of news teams The cave was duly explored, a possible with reports on the conservation extension (a squeeze) noted and the battle for Mt. Etna. cave was then virtually forgotten until The new cave is yet to a novice trip in early 1985. The exten­ be fully explored but has proved sion was pushed and the way led to a to be the deepest, most beautiful veritable treasure house of bone deposits. and one of the most sporting caves Among the remains were a couple of com­ in the area. It has been measured plete thylacine skeletons, several thy­ to a depth of approximately 60m, lacine skulls and the probable remains of which the entrance is a 6m verti­ of an extinct species of wombat. The cal chimney leading to a shaft news of this find managed to find its of about 55m, which is partially way into the national media. blocked 20m down. The cave consists At Mt. Weld (not Wald) another mainly of an active stream passage, two new pots were investigated, both which is rare to the area, flowing choking out about ')Ometres. One of the through a number of large caverns trips to this area stayed at the Arakkis which are highly decorated. doline campsite. the campsite is dry, Once again the "Little sandy, surprisingly mild and is contained Bent Wing Bats" returned to "Bat in the uncollapsed side of the huge Cleft" cave Mt. Etna to have and entrance doline. The two hour walk to rear their young. During the months Arakkis is well worthwhile, even if of November to mid - February the only just to drop (about 30m) into the speleos have been busy taking mem­ campsite. The potential for deep/spectacu­ bers of the public 3 and 4 nights lar holes in this region is very good, per week to view the emergence the only hassles being belts of thick flight of th~ bats and also to regrowth scunge including patches of acquaint them with the Consevation horrible horizontal. Also at Mt. Weld issue. a search for the long lost Aardvaark Due to the continuing mining Pog Bowl has so far been fruitless while next year it may be impossible the location of the perhaps mythical to take the public to Bat Cleft. Princess Gregsies Chuckle Pot remains Members of the CQSS and a mystery. UQSS have assisted a number of An Easter trip to the Mackintosh state wide and local film crews River found very little in the way of to report on the conservation issue. enterable caves and interest in this We have also had a number of local area is waning. Other trips have gone press releases which generate local_ to Mole Creek (incl. Kubla, Croesus, public comment. Herberts Pot, Sassafras Creek Cave and a new cave with 600-800m of passage Peter Berrill awaiting surveying) and Ida Bay. At SCS: The upsurge is caving acti- Ida Bay several visits have been made vity reported in the previous issue to Exit Cave where a new generation of "Australian Caver" is continuing of cavers have marvelled at the vastness throughout the first half of 1986. of this system. The society has also expanded As promised in a previous issue significantly-human resource wise. of this magazine, the "Southern Caver" The membership (financial) for will reappear sometime in the nearish the 1986/7 year is pushing up to­ future, but don't hold your breath. wards thirty and is expected to exceed this mark. One of the more newsworthy speleo finds of 1985 (previously Russell Fulton A bi\1 ran\Je of Paddymade bags -the choice is yours.

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