Wagonga Cemetery Management Plan - Eurobodalla Shire · The same three men were also appointed trustees of land at a place called ‘Emu’. There is no evidence that the residence

Wagonga Cemetery Management Plan Page 1

Wagonga Cemetery Management Plan

Prepared by Pip Giovanelli

April 2014


1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT

This report has been prepared to help develop a long term strategy for the care and maintenance of the Wagonga Cemetery including the site, headstones and subsurface remains. The intention is to bring together known information regarding the site and to help stakeholders develop a common approach to its conservation.

1.2 AUTHOR

The report has been prepared by Pip Giovanelli, Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Heritage Advisor.

1.3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Various members of the community have contributed useful copies of information and maps forwarded to Pip Giovanelli by Laurelle Pacey. Eurobodalla Shire Council has generously enabled this report to be prepared by Council’s Heritage Advisor whose role is partly funded by Council and partly funded by the NSW Heritage Division.

Laurelle Pacey’s book Narooma’s Past – Steamers, Sawmills and Salmon provides a valuable understanding of the place including photographs, anecdotes and an appreciation of some of those buried in the cemetery. Excerpts from the book have been included with her kind permission.

1.4 LIMITATIONS

There were insufficient resources to undertake a detailed historical study of the site or those who are buried there. Thus the site’s historical context within the European development of the area, and in particular Brice’s Bay, has not been fully explored.

1.5 METHODOLOGY

The site was inspected in the presence of Susan Pryke and Laurelle Pacey on 30 January 2014 and the condition of graves and landscape noted. The report was subsequently drafted as a discussion document and circulated for stakeholder input.


2 LOCATION OF SITE

2.1 CEMETERY LOCATION

The cemetery is located on the western shore of the upper reaches of Wagonga Inlet, on the point that separates Brice’s Bay from the larger water body.

The land is relatively flat with steep bushland behind and a small but steep drop of about 3 metres to the tidal rocks below. It is surrounded by native bushland that constantly encroaches onto the site.

Access is via a moderately steep bush track that joins Wagonga Scenic Drive approximately half a kilometre away.

1:25,000 topographic map showing cemetery circled, and detail on right.


Google aerial image with cemetery location circled.

2.2 OWNERSHIP OF SITE

The site is understood to be owned and managed by the Mt Dromedary Uniting Church Parish which has congregations at Bermagui, Bodalla, Cobargo and Narooma. The Narooma congregation can be contacted on 02 4425 6505.


3 HISTORY OF WAGONGA CEMETERY

3.1 HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The summary history included with the site’s heritage listing is set out below.

The history was prepared by EJE Consultants as part of their Shire Wide Heritage Study in 1997:

“At the same time as the Free Selection Act came into force (1861) Nerrigundah residents commissioned William Carruthers to survey and construct a road to Wagonga Inlet as an alternative route to the coast at Moruya. Carruthers completed the road in 1862 and a small settlement, known as Wagonga, began to develop at the head of the inlet.

The first residents spread out between Wagonga and Punkalla Creek. The name Punkalla came into use to denote the southerly end of this portion of the waterfront. As indicated in 'The Story of Wagonga Inlet', population growth was slow but the inlet fulfilled a vital function as a timber shipping centre with a large number of sawmills there over an eighty seven year stretch beginning with Henry Wither's mill in 1877.

There were about 200 residents in the area in 1866 finding work in farming, timber getting and gold mining. Alluvial gold was found in the creeks draining Mt Dromedary and in 1892 a large gold bearing reef was discovered close to Punkalla Post Office. Gold was also dredged from Punkalla Creek from 1902.

The burials listed in the Anglican register indicate that the following people were buried at Wagonga:

Alfred Cowdroy* (postmaster at Wagonga store from 1865 until his death on 25 September 1887 - Alfred's death predates the start of the Narooma Register of death); Maria Matilda Forster (2.8.1894); William Henry Stanfield (13.12.1894); Cecily Willis Bowes (27.11.1900); John Woods (28.1.1901); John Smith (Unbaptised); Katherine Brothers (6.8.1904); Ferdinand Gray (21.8.1911); Margaret Hawdon* (12.10.1920); Georgina Jean Simpson* (5.12.1927); Frederick William Brice* (1.6.1900); Alfredina Brice* (4.2.1933); Richard John Simpson* (24.7.1933); Mary Ann Clow* (29.9.1910); Elizabeth Jane Clow* (13.7.1941); Peter Clow* (31.7.1943). * indicates those grave sites with headstones remaining at the time of a site visit on 12 July 1997.”


3.2 KNOWN HISTORY OF THE CEMETERY SITE

A Wesleyan church was completed in 1866 adjacent to the site of the present cemetery. Evidence for the date of construction is cited in the Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser 26 June 1866 which noted that:

“sixteen new chapels were completed during the past year, total cost near 9,000 [pounds], [including one] situated at ….Wogonga [sic]….”

The land was formally dedicated for public purposes in accordance with the Crown Lands Alienation Act in 1869 and on the 15 June 1870, the Sydney Morning Herald published a notice in the Government Gazette stating:

“Wogonga. – The undermentioned gentlemen have been appointed trustees of the land at Wogonga, dedicated as the sites for a Wesleyan Church and minister’s residence, viz. :-The Rev. Stephen Rabone, the Rev. George Hurst and the Rev. Benjamin Chapman.”

The same three men were also appointed trustees of land at a place called ‘Emu’. There is no evidence that the residence was in fact built.

Weddings were held in the church in 1869 and 1874 (Moruya Pioneer Directory – Forster entry).

An early Parish Map showing that the central portion was dedicated for the purpose of a residence and the larger portion for a church and school.


1935 Parish Map showing the surveyed road that leads down to the cemetery.

The above extract from the undated Parish Map shows the school house in a clearing beside the road reserve that led to the cemetery. The location is on top of the hill and the map shows it in a clearing surrounded by scrubby [bush] & thickly timbered with gum and stringy bark.


Laurelle Pacey’s book Narooma’s Past includes a recollection by Mrs Ethel Carr of a fire on 28 January 1919 that forced the children to seek refuge in the river. Her father told the Moruya Examiner (Moruya Examiner 1/2/19 p2) “... [the fire] nearly wiped out the rest of Wagonga.”

The church is not mentioned although many surroundings buildings were destroyed, including Preddy’s Mill nearby, so it is possible the church was destroyed at that time as well.

3.3 BURIALS AT THE CEMETERY

Research suggests that some 64 people have been recorded as being buried variously at Wagonga, Wagonga Churchyard, Wagonga C of E, Wagonga Church grounds, Wagonga Wesleyan, Wagonga Wesleyan burial ground, Wagonga or C of E and Punkalla. All 64 are believed to have been buried at the Wagonga Cemetery under discussion in this report. Note that in some instances husbands and wives have been buried in the same plot and hence there will be fewer burial sites than the total number of people. See the attached Appendix for a full list of burials

The earliest burial seems to have been that of infant Henry Wilcocks who died at the age of 8 days on 24/4/1862. There were subsequent burials in 1864, 1866 and onwards. While most burials were in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the last appears to have been that of Peter Clow who died on 31/7/1943 and whose headstone survives on site.

The following table was compiled from several sources and it is believed that Anglicans as well as Wesleyans were buried at the Wagonga Cemetery. Catholics apparently were buried in Moruya (Joan Graham personal comment). Legend is as follows:

0 From Moruya Pioneer Directory

1 Index to Deaths in the Eurobodalla Shire 1856-1905

2 Details from Headstone

3 From St Pauls Anglican Church Records, Narooma

4 K Fensom Boyce and Margaret Glenn, 'Index to the Deaths in the Eurobodalla

Shire 1906-1945 in District of Moruya, Part 2', Clyde River & Batemans Bay

Historical Society and Moruya and District Historical Society, 2001.

* Cowdroy related


Surname Given name Date of death Gender Age Burial location Comment

ALLAN Thomas William 9/2/1885 M 69 Wagonga

ARMSTRONG Infant 11/4/1889 Infant Wagonga

ARNETT Frederick 29/5/1876 M 2yr 6m Wagonga Churchyard (?)

BARKER Herbert Bate 30/11/1878 M 25 days Wagonga Mother Maria Barker. Illegitimate.

BINGHAM Susan 11/8/1866 F 35 Wagonga

BOWER Edward 30/8/1878 M 72 Wagonga

BRICE³* Alfredina 4/02/1933 F 89 Wagonga C of E nee Cowdroy

BRICE²* Frederick William 1/06/1900 M 65 Wagonga C of E Hotel keeper*, headstone

BRICE* Sydney 19/2/1883 M 3m 14 days Wagonga

BROTHERS* Annie 30/1/1866 F 26 Wagonga C of E Consumption

BROTHERS* Johnson Stewart 25/12/1875 M 76 Wagonga Churchgrounds

BROTHERS* Katherine or Catherine Plunkett

6/08/1904 F 68 Wagonga Married*

BROTHERS¹³* Stewart Leslie 7/08/1902 M 27 Wagonga Labourer³. Died from syncope.

"BROWN," Thomas William 23/7/1887 M 34 Wagonga Married Susan Barker. Born Sweden.

BURROWS Robert 22/10/1866 M 49 Wagonga Bushman. Died gunshot wounds

CLARKE William 4/7/1882 M 35 Wagonga One of three men drowned from boat accident. Carpenter.

CLARKE Jane 18/02/1916 F 83 Wagonga nee Makin

CLOW² Elizabeth Jane 13/07/1941 F over 70 Wagonga headstone

CLOW² Mary Ann Beatty 29/09/1910 F 88 Wagonga headstone

CLOW² Peter 31/07/1943 M 84 Wagonga headstone

CLOW William 24/08/1916 M 84 Wagonga Buried with wife Mary Ann but no inscription

COSTIN Jane 27/11/1878 F 1yr 4m Wagonga

COWDROY Alfred 28/9/1877 M 73 Wagonga C of E Former Bodalla PM, then Wagonga PM

COWDROY Catherine 4/5/1892 F 79 Wagonga Wesleyan

Former Wagonga PM

COWDROYº Frederick Rathbone c. 17/10/1915 M 67 Wagonga Wesleyan

COWDROYº Samuel Hill 16/11/1909 M 74 Wagonga

COWDROY Vera Madeline 11/7/1893 F 8m Wagonga Born on Mt Dromedary

CUMBERLAND Charles 10/4/1879 M 19 Wagonga



DUNDAS James 10/11/1881 M 65 Wagonga

DUNN Frank 1/12/1888 M abt 50 Wagonga

DUREN Annie 12/1/1886 F 9 days or 5 days

Wagonga Premature - daughter John Duren and Jane Piety

DUREN Unnamed 21/10/1886 F 3 hrs Wagonga Premature - daughter John Duren and Jane Piety

FALONA William 13/04/1912 M 83 Wagonga

FOSTER* Matilda Maria 2/10/1894³ F 54 Wagonga C of E

FOSTER William John 7/5/1898 M 77 Wagonga C of E Born USA; Arr NSW 1852 to try his luck. Mining warden's clerk and Punkalla PM, prev Nerrigundah

GRAY³ Ferdinand 21/08/1911 M 79 Wagonga Born Germany. Miner. CHECK ANGLICAN REGISTER

HAWDONº Jane 15/08/1912 F 53 Wagonga Gilbert and Margaret Hawdon's daughter

HAWDON³ Margaret 12/10/1920 F 84³ Wagonga Widow Gilbert, headstone, nee Cowdroy

HOBBS Hannah or Anna 11/02/1905 F 8 weeks? Wagonga Wesleyan Burial Ground

HOBBS Hannah 23/10/1873 F 31 Wagonga or C of E

Sister of John T. Hobbes, from family diary. Hannah born 12/7/1838. First person buried in churchyard.

HOMER Jane 27/2/1873 F 2 Punkalla

JOHNSTONE John 23 /11/1896 M 58 Wagonga - Punkalla

Boatman

LAVIS Robert 23/2/1876 M 43 or 48 Wagonga

LOADER Clara May 23/11/1913 F 3 Wagonga Died of tick bite

LOADER William Thomas 21/08/1913 M 13m Wagonga Methodist

McDONALD William 20/10/1925 M 67 Punkalla

MAKIN William 28/10/1915 M 85 Wagonga

MASON OR MUNDY

Agnes Ruby Pearl 20/8/1886 F 7m Wagonga C of E

MASON Rupert Clarence 13/11/1892 M 19m 3 days Wagonga C of E Died of croup

MAYHEW George Holmes 29/1/1864 M 34 Wagonga

MUNDY James 16/9/1884 M 9wks Wagonga Illegitimate

PIETY William 31/5/1890 M 3 days Wagonga



RINGLAND Susan 11/8/1866 F 35 Wagonga Died of dropsy. Thought to be buried at Ringland's Point?

SIMPSON² Georgina Jean 5/02/1927 F 73 Wagonga Home duties, headstone

SIMPSON Richard John 24/07/1933 M 82 Wagonga Headstone

SMITH Archibald Maxwell

29/12/1890 M 70 Wagonga Choked

SMITH Frederick G 4/7/1882 M 35 Wagonga One of three men drowned. Worked at Wither's mill. Married

SMITH¹³ John 7/09/1903 M 9wks Wagonga Unbaptised³

WILLCOCKS Henry 24/4/1862 M 8 days Wagonga

WILKINSON James 11/1/1872 M 58 Wagonga

WILSON David 4/7/1882 M 34 Wagonga One of three men drowned. Engineer at Wither's sawmill. Married

WOOD¹³ John 28/01/1901 M 82 Wagonga Miner


4 DESCRIPTION

4.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SITE

The site comprises a clearing of about 100m by 50m located adjacent to the upper reaches of Wagonga Inlet. Over recent years some of the larger timber has been cleared and pushed to the back of the site so that the ground surface is visible with a covering of leaf litter and some emergent regrowth.

There are 7 distinct graves with obvious structure above ground, although the amount of fabric varies considerably. There are also many collections of dispersed piles of white shells that are believed to have been the surviving evidence of other graves. It is understood these are not Aboriginal middens. Some of the finer character of the shell graves has been disturbed by the vegetation removal, although it is possible there are more such graves in undisturbed ground to the edge of the main clearing.

There is no evidence of any earlier structures such as boundary markers, fence, the church, a residence (if ever built) or the wharf.

The surviving and obvious graves are just above the edge that drops fairly abruptly to the tidal rock shelf. It is unlikely that any graves were located closer to the water than these.

Wagonga cemetery 1997. Photo taken for Eurobodalla Shire Wide Heritage Study.


View north across site January 2014. Photo PG

View west across site. 2014, PG


4.2 SURVIVING GRAVES

A more detailed description of the graves along with a discussion of possible work is provided under the Scope of Works later in the document. The following graves are presented in order from west to east.

Georgina Jean Simpson (d.1927) and Richard John Simpson (d.1933). Note the stone edging to the west and north of the grave. (Photograph taken from the east end)

Elizabeth Jane Clow (d.1941) and Peter Clow (d.1943)


Mary Ann Clow (d.1910)

Unknown


Alfred Cowdroy (d 1877)

Frederick William Brice (d.1900) and Alfredina Brice (d.1933)

Margaret Hawdon (d.1920)


Scatters of shells that could indicate former gravesites


Site as recorded by EJE group as part of the 1997 heritage survey.

Site plan recorded 2014 by PG


5 HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE

5.1 CURRENT HERITAGE STATUS

The place is listed in the heritage schedule (Schedule 5) of the Eurobodalla Shire Council Local Environment Plan 2013 as a place of local significance.

5.2 ASSESSMENT AGAINST NSW HERITAGE CRITERIA

The section below assesses the place against the standard NSW Heritage Assessment Criteria.

(a) An item is important in the course, or pattern, of the cultural history of Eurobodalla

Shire

The cemetery is an enduring legacy of the early settlement of Wagonga that was associated not only with farming, timber cutting and mining in the local area, but was also important as an intersection point for early road and boat transport before the development of Narooma township.

(b) An item has strong or special association with the life or works of a person, or group

of persons, of importance in the cultural history of the local area

The cemetery is strongly associated with the community at Wagonga and was a burial place from 1862 through to 1941. There are many descendants of those early settlers remaining in the district.

(c) An item is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high

degree of creative or technical achievement in the local area

This is a particularly attractive cemetery in part because of its stunning location on the point between Brice’s Bay and Wagonga Inlet and it may have been that the site was deliberately chosen for its aesthetic value. The small collection of graves surviving in a relatively isolated but managed location between the water and the bush is highly evocative of an earlier era. This sense is enhanced by the patina of the surviving headstones and metal railings.

(d) An item has strong or special association with a particular community or cultural

group in the local area for social, cultural or spiritual reasons

Descendants of those who are buried in the cemetery continue to care for the graves and endeavour to control the vegetation. They demonstrate a strong and on-going attachment to, and value of, the place.


(e) An item has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding

of the cultural history of the local area

Only 7 of the possible 50 or so grave plots remain extant. It is likely that many of the early grave markers were timber or metal, or even arrangements of stones and shells that have burnt, decayed, rusted or become scattered over the intervening years and hence the precise location of the graves is no longer clear on initial inspection. There is therefore a considerable amount regarding this cemetery that remains unknown, including the site of the former church, which may be revealed with further sophisticated investigation.

(f) An item possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects the cultural of the local

area

This is the only cemetery in Wagonga and is virtually all that remains from the earlier settlement. It is under threat from encroaching vegetation and the ravages of rust, fire and general decay. As only a handful of graves remain evident it is fair to say the site is endangered. The use of shells as a grave marker and decoration (as reported by others) may be a fairly rare practice.

(g) An item is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class the

local area’s

• cultural places

or

• cultural environments

There are other cemeteries in the wider district that have their own unique response to location and earlier settlement. The Wagonga cemetery adds to the rich collection of cemeteries in the region.

5.3 SIGNIFICANT ATTRIBUTES

The important attributes of the Wagonga Cemetery include but may not be limited to:

All of the historic fabric associated with each of the graves including concrete and stone borders, ledgers and infill material, headstones, footstones and metal rails.

The location of stones set as a border around some of the graves.

The managed clearing within the original cemetery border.

The scatter of shells across the ground surface.

The access road and point of access into the cemetery


5.4 SUMMARY STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The statement of significance included with the heritage registration of the cemetery is as follows:

‘Alfred Cowdroy was the local postmaster from the earliest days of Wagonga settlement following the construction of road access to the town. His activity in the town predates the expansion associated with the establishment of Withers Mill, and predates the start of the Narooma register of deaths. Hence his headstone is of high-level historic significance in recording the links between the early Wagonga and its residents in the late middle 19th century. For these reasons and also because of the continuity of identification of the Cemetery with the town of Wagonga over a seventy plus year period, the cemetery has high-level local historic significance. Socially, the cemetery, and especially the Cowdroy headstone have special cultural identification with regional pioneer families and with the earliest establishment of the Wagonga township. It is important to the history of the region and to the descendants of the identified families and as such it has regional social significance. Scientifically it is of local significance for its potential to reveal information which could contribute to a greater understanding of burial techniques in small South Coast settlement of the late middle 19th century.’

To this can be added: the Wagonga Cemetery also has aesthetic value for the patina of its historic fabric and for its dramatic setting in a bushland clearing adjacent to Wagonga Inlet.


6 DEVELOPMENT OF MANAGEMENT POLICY

6.1 ISSUES AFFECT MANAGEMENT OF SITE

Fire

Because of its proximity to the bush the site is obviously at risk of fire. However there is no flammable material actually associated with the graves. The risk therefore from fire is:

intense localised heat causing exfoliation of headstones and cement.

burnt trees falling onto the graves and leading to impact damages and more intense localised heat.

The solution is to control/reduce vegetation around the site and to consider lopping or removing large trees that could fall across individual graves.

Plant growth

The major problem is from trees growing in immediate proximity to the graves leading to uplift and lateral pressure as the roots and trunk thicken. This has happened in the past with unfortunate consequences. The solution is to kill suckers growing close to the graves and to carefully fell and poison large trees to prevent re-growth.

A variety of ground covers and shrubs are likely to grow in the cleared area. These should be controlled so that they do not become unmanageable. The appropriate approach will be dependent on types of plants and rate of regrowth, but it may be that an annual mowing or brush cutting would suffice. Obviously care would be needed to avoid damage to the graves.

Decay of significant fabric

There are a number of issues relating to individual graves that are dealt with in some detail in the Appendix at the end of this report.

Current and future deterioration should be addressed in line with standard guidelines such as Conserving our Cemeteries by Celestina Sagazio for the National Trust (Victoria), 2003, or Guidelines for Cemetery Conservation, (AC/NT NSW) which is available online at www.nationaltrust.org.au/services/cemetery-conservation

Key guidelines include:

retain historic fabric

if replacement of fabric is necessary, then replace only as much as necessary,

new work should fit in with the existing character and be designed to work seamlessly with other historic fabric at the site

http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/services/cemetery-conservation/


Vandalism

The site is relatively isolated and vandalism is not considered to be a threat.

Identification of graves

Fading lettering on headstones should be recorded. The National Trust guidelines mentioned above should be followed regarding re-lettering etc. In some instances it may be best to avoid interfering with existing headstones, but rather record the information on a small brass plaque installed as a footstone.

The precise location of many graves is not known and it is therefore may be appropriate to include a commemorative plaque or similar in a particular location to include the names of all of those recorded as having been buried ion the site.

A commemorative stone embed with shells and other decorative items in Bodalla.

Boundary definition of site

It would be useful to determine the precise boundary of the site by survey and include enduring markers at the corner points. It seems unnecessary at this stage to fence the cemetery unless a risk arises, for example roaming cattle.


Access

The present bush track is easily accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle and seems adequate for the infrequent visits. Its condition is likely to discourage inappropriate visits.

Maintenance of site

It is anticipated that the site will be visited for maintenance at least once per year to:

ensure the access road remains viable

manage vegetation

monitor decay of graves

initiate repair or conservation of graves if necessary

clean up rubbish or other unwanted debris.

Carer group

It is a suggestion of this report that a carer group be established that comprises:

descendants of those buried at the site

interested community individuals

members of the local Uniting Church

members of local community groups such Lions or Rotary

a Eurobodalla Shire Council Staff member, or community coordinator

The carer group (or Friends of Wagonga Cemetery) should coordinate site maintenance, (including survey and additional plaques etc) as well as facilitate maintenance of individual graves to an acceptable standard. To this end the carer group should retain copies of this report when finalised, as well as copies of the National Trust Cemetery Maintenance Guidelines. The carer group may also need to raise funds from time to time if necessary. It is not suggested that the group be a Council Committee, but rather have a loose association with Council, who may be able to assist with resources, information and connections to similar groups elsewhere in the wider community.

The carer group needs to ensure its own survival and encourage new members from time to time to replace those who may retire.

The conservation of Tilba Cemetery in 2013 provides a successful example of carer group. In the Tilba instance several community members came together for the purpose of ensuring the graves were maintained in good condition. The work was discussed with Council’s Heritage Adviser, a condition report prepared, a scope of work for specific grave sites developed, descendants contacted and partial funds secured from Council’s heritage grants program. A monumental mason was then engaged to complete the work.


Maintenance of graves

It is assumed that maintenance of the graves will be the responsibility of descendants and the carer group.

Funds

There is no specific allocation of funds to the site’s maintenance and care. Maintenance of the grounds is likely to be by volunteer group and so be virtually free of charge. Survey, boundary markers and the installation of an additional information plaque may require funds in the order of $1 – $2,000. Conservation work to individual graves is difficult to quantify.

As the cemetery is heritage listed it would be eligible for a Eurobodalla Shire local heritage grant. Other funding sources could include private sector sponsorship (eg from local tour operators, community banks etc), tours of the cemetery and sale of publications.

Statutory requirements

Excavation on the site will be subject to the NSW Heritage ACT and may require approval from the NSW Heritage Branch.

As the place is listed on the local heritage schedule, intervention work other than routine maintenance should be discussed with Council’s Heritage Advisor.

Vision for the site

The carer group will need to establish their vision for their cemetery, to guide their management practice. A suggested vision is:

The Wagonga Cemetery will endure into the future and not be subsumed or overgrown by the surrounding native vegetation. It will remain a safe and accessible site free of large trees. The surviving graves will be well maintained in accordance with good heritage practice and set within an attractive clearing of natural ground cover. The cemetery will be a pleasant place to visit and will contain low key interpretation that explains its heritage significance and the names of those buried within.

From the water the graves will be visible through a fringe of small casuarina trees and will be used by boat tourism operators to tell the story of Wagonga and its former occupants.

Constraints arising from significance

The graves will remain set within a small clearing surrounded by native bushland. The immediate surroundings should not be cleared or developed.


6.2 CONSERVATION POLICY

The Wagonga Cemetery will be managed for its historic, social and aesthetic values in accordance with sound heritage practice.

6.3 CONSERVATION STRATEGY

A career group is established to implement the recommendations of this report and facilitate conservation of individual graves in line with the actions set out below.


7 ACTIONS

The following actions are recommend to achieve the short and longer term conservation and maintenance of Wagonga Cemetery.

Short term

The stakeholders to comment on this preliminary draft report and be guided by recommendations in the final report.

Stakeholders elect or nominate a carer group.

The carer group establish a mechanism for their on-going co-ordination and commence annual site maintenance.

Actions long term

Funding for long term works is sought (survey, markers, Interpretation panel and individual grave works)

A boundary survey of the cemetery and installation of permanent corner markers is undertaken.

An interpretation plaque or similar is designed and installed on the site.

Conservation of individual graves is commenced.

The site continues to be maintained annually.

Commemoration and tourism events are held from time to time on site.

Need for approvals

As the site is listed in Eurobodalla Shire’s Heritage Schedule some work should be discussed with ESC prior to the work commencing.

Basic maintenance of the site such as mowing and brush cutting would be considered maintenance and not require approval.

Cleaning of graves, removal of weeds, rust prevention and painting metal work would likewise be seen as maintenance and not require approval as there would be no significant adverse impact on historic fabric.

Substantial intervention on the graves such as rebuilding the surrounding border or replacing the headstone should be discussed with Council’s heritage adviser prior to commencing the work to ensure it is consistent with heritage practice.

Any work for which funding is being sought should also be discussed with the Heritage Adviser prior to submission of a grant application.

Wagonga Cemetery Management Plan Appendix Page 28

APPENDIX: Wagonga Cemetery indicative scope of works April 2014

Georgina Jean Simpson (d.1927) and Richard John Simpson (d.1933)

The surrounding border is generally in good condition and is typical of those used on other graves in the cemetery.

A hairline crack across the headstone appears to be stable but should be monitored.

Evidence suggests that the decorative railing was only used on the sides of the grave border, not at the ends where the round galvanised iron pipe is used.

The headstone is tilting forward and should be gently manoeuvred back into the vertical position.

Evidence suggests the lettering may have been picked out in limewash or lime putty. Re-lettering is appropriate but should only be done after close investigation and preferably by someone skilled in such work.

Note the perimeter of stone work about 300 – 600mm from the west and north edges of the grave. It may have been part of a retaining wall and is considered to be significant fabric not to be disturbed.

Some of the rails are galvanised iron pipe that have been cut short, or the corner pillar has spread. If the pillar cannot be returned to its former position, the existing pipe should be extended (by an insert or similar) so that it fits back into the corner pillar.

Similarly the square rails should be extended, possibly by a short external sleeve.

All metal work should be sanded, treated for rust and repainted a similar colour, taking care not to drip paint on the border.


Elizabeth Jane Clow (d.1941) and Peter Clow (d.1943)

The grave uses a similar border profile to that of GJ Simpson. Overall this grave is in very good condition with no obvious subsidence.

It may be possible to clean the background of the plaque subject to further investigation.

Note the ground soil is dropping away on water side of the grave. This is presumed to be stablebut should be monitored over time.

The build-up of soil on the inland side may be gently removed and the side of the border exposed to a depth of approximately 100 – 150mm.


Mary Ann Clow (d.1910)

This grave has been substantially impacted by a tree that raised the border and pushed it inwards.

Ideally the stump of the tree would be removed if such action does not result in further damage to the grave. Alternatively it may be possible to cut the stump closer to ground level thus enabling the border to be returned to its former position.

Once the border has been reinstated, broken bits of stone can be fixed back in place using suitable glues. Cracks can be filled with compo mortar, eg 1 cement: 2 lime: 9 sharp sand.

Parts of the metal railing are badly rusted and should be treated for rust prior to painting a russet colour. The original colour was white, which could also be used.


The headstone has a mid-height crack and tilts forward.

One option to brace the headstone may be to install a phosphor-bronze channel either side of the crack, screw fixed to the edge. The depth of the channel would have to respect the design on the front of the headstone.

Alternatively, straps could be fixed to the back and secured with a neat clasp over the top edge of the memorial or otherwise screw-fixed to it.


Unknown grave

This grave is defined by a corner of stones.

There is no headstone, however two iron hoops have been placed at the foot of the grave, although it is unknown if they are provenanced to this particular grave plot.

A small tree stump that was previously cut down is beginning to re-sprout and should be sprayed with herbicide.


Alfred Cowdroy d 25/9/1877

The inscription reads:

Sacred to the Memory of Alfred Cowdroy. born Manchester England 13.2.1801 – died Wagonga 25.9.1877. EARTH BUILDITH ON EARTH PALACES AND TOWERS EARTH SAITH TO EARTH ALL SHALL BE OURS

The headstone is lying on the ground, broken in one or two places and is particularly vulnerable to further damage and decay. The clarity of lettering is fading and information is difficult to discern. This headstone should be repaired, strengthened and stood up in its former position.

It may need to be removed to a monumental mason’s workshop for thorough cleaning and repair.

This appears to be a particularly significant headstone and its restoration is considered to be a priority.

The surrounding metal rail appears to be generally sound although there is some rust, and corner attachments have come adrift. It needs to be rust proofed, painted a similar colour to existing, re-levelled and re-attached at the corners.


Frederick William Brice (d.1900) and Alfredina Brice (d.1933).

The surrounding border has recently been restored and a new headstone installed.

The work is not fully complete and the following works are suggested:

remove star pickets from the ground

remove introduced sand and bricks from the site

carefully chip off or remove concrete mortar where it is proud of any joints or surfaces.

Hard edges of new concrete only could be softened by rubbing with a carborundum (or hard) brick.

Obtain sufficient metal railings to encircle the plot making sure they match original dimensions. Treat all railings for rust and repaint.

If the original headstone exists it should be photographed and included in this report or a copy offered to the local historical society.

Margaret Hawdon (d.1920)

The grave is in good stable condition with no obvious work other than to remove vegetation growing within the plot.

Documents

Wagonga Cemetery Management Plan - Eurobodalla Shire · The same three men were also appointed trustees of land at a place called ‘Emu’. There is no evidence that the residence