Hello Black Davy, it seems to me that the bureaucrats who have made the decision to ban metal detecting, don't like to openly take responsibly for their decision, for fear of reprisals from the general public. (explains why you initially were shunted from department to department), We get the same here in our shire. I have in mind many true examples of this, which I've experienced first hand in my line of work. (not to do with metal detecting) But that's another story. But what you've mentioned is a bit of a sore point with me. I'll explain. To completely ban metal detecting in a state, when it's recognised world wide as a hobby, is ludicrous to say the least. There is a bad egg in every bunch granted, in form of any sort of recreation, and because of these few, it affects what the rest of us are PERMITTED to do. As for the archaeologists, they have a territory unto themselves, which they seem to guard, and can be scrupulous at that. But, how many of these archaeologists end up with relics in their own personal collection. I know personally of individuals who join heritage groups, get a hold of old maps and go digging for old bottles, relics and other valuables, in a heritage protected area, and leave a mess behind them. I've discovered many large holes dug on the gold fields by these people. I've also found stone walls knocked down, and other sites vandalised. I also know of individuals who donated items of considerable value to a museum, only to end up once again in the personal collection of the person, to whom they entrusted the donated articles in mind. One such person wants to do an audit of the mine museum valuables where I work, but she won't be getting past our doors. Metal detectorists are not grave robbers. We don't did up graves. Archaeologist do, in the name of science, history, etc. Metal detectorist's would often more than willingly display their finds openly, to share with others the uniqueness of their finds. But most often don't, for fear of having these articles removed from them. And then there needs to be a REASONABLE guideline set in these circumstances, so that the detectorists can also enjoy owning something as a fruitage of their labour, so to speak. How about compensating metal detectorists for their finds, by the government. In some countries, they do that. To me, it's a shame that there are many 'hidden relics' beneath the ground, unknown to us, that could be detected. What's to protect, once the elements take over, and there's nothing left? Just a few thoughts. Hope no one minds!
Cheers Angela
