Kerrison's Hut
Photograph courtesy of M Howe and J Robertson © 2003.
Known as Kerrisons Hut
Located On the Central Plateau above the eastern shores of Pillans Lake and shown on the Pillans map at GR551720. Access from Liaweene along a very clear Pillans Track, but one which is very rough with stones. Access is only possible across Lake Augusta if the lake level is low.
History
Kerrisons Hut was built in the 1960s by Gordon Ibbott Pty Ltd of Devonport and Hume and Kerrison Ltd of Launceston.
Phil Kerrison made the hut available to anglers and recreational users, until it was handed over to the relevant authorities in the 1980s. A full Conservation Study was completed for this hut in July 2003, by Austral Archaeology - Ian Terry and David Parham- for the PWS of Tasmania.
In 1963, Steve Kerrison extended a road already built by the Hydro Electric Commission to Lake Augusta in the 1950s, to Pillans Lake. Max Langham, Ron Dent, Max Collins, Terry Dando and their sons undertook the construction.
In 1967, Cliff Turner bulldozed an extension to Lake Field and Lake Julian. The Pillans Julian Track became a very popular fishing route.
In June 1978, Kerrison and Hume applied for a license for the hut on the site. The license may never have been granted, but four years later, Stephen offered the hut to the Lands Department.
Construction
A three room hut, of modest size with corrugated iron walls and gable roof over sawn timber frame. The floors are of timber and the footings of stone. An unlined room is at the western end, and the rest is lined with masonite. A brick chimney is partially collapsed.
References
"Kerrson's Hut - Plan of Management" Austral Archaeology July 2003.
Ian Terry - pers comm.