· . 2 . OCT 2005 MAWSON'S HUTS CONSERVATION EXPEDITION 2002 EXPEDITION REPORTS Australian Antarctic Division 2003 1 MAWSON'S HUTS CONSERVATION EXPEDITION 2002 EXPEDITION REPORTS CONTENTS FIELD LEADER'S REPORT Executive Summary Leader's Report Attachments A. Achievement of Works Plan B. Environmental Performance Report. C. Wildlife Observations D. Weather Summary Additional Reports I Expedition Log 2 Notes for Future Expedition Planning - Logistics - Inventory ofMaterials and Equipment Remaining at Cape Denison December 2002 - Inventory ofFood Remaining at Cape Denison December 2002 - Inventory ofTools and Equipment in AAD Store Kingston 2002 3 Carpenter's Reports Martin Passingham Michael Staples 4 Food, Communications & Photography - David Killick 5 Medical Officer's Report - Dr Geoffrey Couser HERITAGE ARCHITECT'S REPORT ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT MATERIALS CONSERVATION REPORT 2 MAWSON'S HUTS CONSERVATION EXPEDITION 2002 FIELD LEADER'S REPORT L to R: Adrian Welke, Diana Patterson, Estelle Lazer, Linda Clark, David Killick, Geoffrey Couser, Martin Passingham, Mike Staples Australian Antarctic Division 2003 3 MAWSON'S HUTS EXPEDITION 2002 FIELD LEADER'S REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION It is a pleasure to be able to provide a report that is overwhelmingly positive: in fact, one which reports that everything went according to plan. There were no surprises and all aspects ofthe expedition were well covered in advance. The team greatly appreciated the operational leadership provided by Rob Easther and the policy support provided by Andrew Jackson and Stephanie Pfennigwerth. For the purpose ofthis report I have provided a brief overview only ofthe tasks completed. The more specific reports will be forthcoming from expedition members. 1 CONSERVATION WORKS PLAN 1.1 Achievement of defined tasks The key tasks identified in the Works Plan were all addressed. An integrated approach to the program by the team was reinforced at every opportunity. Extensive photographic recording was made at all stages throughout the Works program. • Main Hut Sub-floor Structural Investigation The prevailing ice conditions limited the extent ofinvestigations and at all times due consideration was given to the potential impact on artefacts and to the ongoing integrity ofthe foundations. The conservation architect will address specific details. • Temporary Tie Down of Main Hut This section was omitted fTom the Works plan. It was however the subject ofsome discussion and it would be beneficial to canvass the relative merits offuture inclusion with the conservation architect. • Main Hut General Structural Investigation The connections appeared to be in good condition and performing to the near original specification. There was no evidence from external perspective that the possible expansion ofice was causing any effect on the connections. Some deterioration in fixings was noted but was considered to be ofno structural consequence. All timber members were in good condition. Considerable shrinkage and deterioration ofthe timber cladding was observed. Repair works ofa varying nature were undertaken. The deterioration ofthe cladding was such that concern was expressed ofthe potential impacts ofthe loss ofindividual timbers. • Ice Removal The ice removal was carried out with due consideration given to the effect on the long­ term structural integrity ofthe hut and its fabric, structures and artefacts. The snow and ice inside the workshop was removed to approximately a metre below the eaves. Ice was then removed from the centre to what is believed to be the level exposed in 1978. Ice 4 was also removed from the western wall above the bench. Shelving has been exposed in the SE comer, as has the bench on the western wall. In the living quarters soft snow and suspended ice was removed in areas where it threatened the structural integrity ofthe bunks. Ice removal was conducted in a very cautious manner with frequent reference to available photographs and prior reports. Detailed photographic recording and drawings were made at varying stages ofremoval. A very positive result was achieved in terms ofrestoring the interiors to reveal the space and fabric ofthe period ofoccupation. • Workshop Roof Structure The tasks defined in this section were fully and very efficiently achieved, particularly the installation ofnew collar ties and repair ofthree broken rafters. The original collar tie U­ bolts were straightened and refitted and the original collar tie packing blocks reinstated. • Snow and Meltwater Ingress The tasks defined in this section were fully achieved. However, as discussed reo the roof structure it is an impossible task to prevent further incursions. The discussion within the Works Plan ofthe rate ofsnow ingress and consequent relationship to the issue of recladding from my mind is an analysis which does not adequately address the very real impacts of failure ofparts ofthe roof structure. The occurrence ofa number ofblizzards provided a further opportunity to identify areas ofsnow ingress and to observe the build­ up ofsnow in what were relatively minor events. However the conservation architect is more qualified than I am to comment. • Site Works - GIS Framework It is believed that considerable advances were made in achieving this task. This is very much due to the perseverance ofcarpenter Mike Staples with the Total Station survey. Achievement oftasks was carried out to the best ofthe team's ability given the available time. • Site Works - Main Valley - Visual Protection Zone - Works Assessment and conservation works were undertaken to other AAE structures within the Main Valley. The visual amenity was also improved with the removal ofpost­ BANZARE drums and scattered debris. • Moveable Heritage Conservation Program The materials conservator and archaeologist adopted a joint approach to condition reporting and the documentation ofartefacts. Artefacts that had been labeled and stored in various receptacles and locations on previous expeditions were consolidated in plastic bins in the southeast comer ofthe Workshop. An inventory was also completed. • Archaeology Program An extensive program, including cataloguing and photographic recording ofartefacts, was undertaken. It included the documentation and survey ofthe artefact scatters around the Main Hut, and the documentation ofthe artefact scatter on Penguin Knob and the 2 5 sites ofcached seals. A comprehensive cataloguing ofartefacts was also carried out within both the living quarters and the Workshop. The boxed husky was excavated and relocated to the southeast comer ofthe Workshop. It was considered to be the optimum location for conservation due to the fact that the eastern veranda could not be accessed and the western veranda is subject to summer snowmelt. The very considerable, very detailed data that has been accumulated over this and previous expeditions presents a considerable challenge in both its presentation and interpretation. • Monitoring, Research and Records This was a very significant component ofthe program in terms oftime commitment required. It involved the location, removal, then reinstallation ofvarious sensors and data loggers. The monitoring equipment is positioned in the southeast comer ofthe Workshop and data is now being transferred to Australia weekly via satellite telephone. 1.2 Future challenges identified from the conservation program Reflecting on the overall program and from the, at times, animated discussion between members ofthe expedition a number ofissues were identified for future management of the site and its interpretation. The first issue identified by the team in our initial forum at Cape Denison was the need for a clear direction ami policy regarding the future ofthe Mawson's Huts site. The observation was made that the Works Plan was contradictory in part and this was attributed to the lack ofclarity regarding direction. in this context the issue ofthe reciadding the Main Hut roof was considered. The fundamental conservation principle applied to the Works Plan was to do as much as necessary but as little as possible. However, given that the Main Hut is also identified as the major artefact on site it became evident to the team that the consequences ofthe "little as possible" approach needs to be confronted. Whilst the argument has been put that the building has lasted 90 years or so it is apparent that the cladding is progressively deteriorating. This consideration was also seen in the context ofthe frequency ofrestoration programs. On our arrival at Cape Denison we were able to witness the movement ofroofing timbers in strong winds. Whilst repairs were carried out to loose battens and boards the very real concern is that even with cyclical maintenance parts ofthe roofcould be blown away. Even with the recladding ofthe main roofthe continual ingress ofsnow will result in further build up ofice; however, this could be managed with perhaps more frequent but shorter programs. The collation and presentation of data is regarded as another challenge. There is now a huge amount ofdocumentation and it is seen as a huge task to collate and to make it accessible. From my perspective I do not have a feel for the clear objectives and refer again to the need for a clear articulation ofthe policy directions for management ofthe site and for its interpretation. Appendix E ofthe Works Plan identifies a number ofways 3 6 to present the data; however, significant resources would need to be committed and priorities determined. The management of artefacts was also cause for considerable