A PERFECT STONE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1608, 27 November 1912, Page 5

A PERFECT STONE.

I — JQ —. Tonga Bay, which is situated between Motuska and Takaka, in Tasman Bay, is distant about thirty miles from Nelson, and is likely to become noted in tho near future on acwunt of the extensive quarries now being opened up there for the purpose of getting granite as building stone. It has been a matter for regret that stone has been little used hitherto in New Zealand in our buildings. It might fairly be said that with the exception of a few of our public buildings, stone has been little used for building purposes, and even when it has been used it lias often been imported from Australia. It-is to be hoped that architects, builders, and the public generally will by concerted action endeavour to improve our standards of building by an increased uso of stone, and where stone can be used, that preference will.be given to New Zealand products. It is claimed that in Tonga. Bay'granite wo. have a porfcct stoDQ.for building purposes. It is totally

Scotch grey granite. The stone could also be used for kerbing, channelling, sets'for tram lines, etc.

The works present a very busy appearance. On' the building itself a striking feature is the use of two large jib cranes for setting stones in position. By means of these, one of which has a' capacity for lifting ten tons, and one eight tons, the stones are lifted from the street and set in position- without any hard labour. A new departure in connection with this

contract is the provision by the contractors, J. and A. Wilson, Limited, of extensive sheds in which the stone is cut and moulded. By this means the-men are able to work in any weather, a fact that has proved to be beneficial alike to employer and employees.—Extract from "Progress."