Map Kernow: Map the Miner
If you've ever visited Kapunda, you would remember passing the giant Cornishminer Statue at the southern end of town. Known as The Big Miner to some, and as Map Kernow, or Map the Miner to others. Themonument was constructed in 1988 and officially opened on June 5th, 1988. Themonument was designed and built by Ben Van Zetten after being suggested bylocal John Davidson that a memorial be erected to commemorate the influence theCornish Miners had on the town.
The Rotary Club of Kapunda organised a funding campaign and successfully raisedthe money needed. Over the year’s other local volunteer community groups andthe local council have helped to assist in beautifying the grounds around theStatue making it a focal point for tourists entering Kapunda.
The plaque on the miner reads;
"This statue is a monument to the profound, role and contribution of theCornish miner in the Kapunda and in due course in other mines in SouthAustralia. The Kapunda mine, established in 1844, was the first successfulmetal mine in Australia and contributed greatly to the economic development ofSouth Australia. Up to its closure in 1878 ore to the value of more than £1million was produced and up to 340 men and boys, mainly from Cornwall wereemployed."
In June 2006, Aaron Ashton was arrested after setting a fire as a “prank” atthe base of the statue. Ashton claimed in court proceedings that he did notthink the statue would be made from flammable materials and that he did notintend to destroy the statue.
He pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ to the damage caused, estimated to be around$95,000, but was found guilty by Judge Muecke in 2007, and sentenced to severalyears in gaol for his crime.
Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2017
Bibliography
Fewster S, 2008, Teen vandal's idiocy destroyed touristicon Map the Miner, The Advertiser, viewed 24 March 2017,http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/so...
Monument Australia. 2010. Map the Miner | MonumentAustralia. Monument Australia, viewed 1 March 2013, http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/technology/industry/display/50956-map-the-miner.
