19th-century wells found in New Zealand capital

Four wells dating back to the 19th century have been found in Wellington, New Zealand. Several artifacts were found in them, including several porcelain doll’s heads.

A glass inkwell, several porcelain dolls’ heads, a china elephant with a little girl riding on top and an early ginger beer bottle are among the things discovered in old wells during the Victoria Street transformation work.

Another unusual find is the intact, head-shaped bowl of an old clay smoking pipe depicting a bearded man in a cavalry helmet.

Though most of the upgrade work was close to the surface, four wells were discovered as construction workers installed 9000 metres of new ducting pipes for existing and future underground services, and dug the pits for the 55 new trees that now line both sides of the street.

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Story: Wellington City Council | Photo: Wellington City Council