STEAM MARBLE WORKS, MECHANICS' BAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7269, 6 March 1885, Page 6

STEAM MARBLE WORKS, MECHANICS' BAY.

Mr, Levett has now got his steam machinery for the cutting and manufacturing of marble works of all descriptions, in going order, and the industry is likely to become of very considerable importance. In a previous issue, when referring to the start of the industry, and the varied and elegant selections of marble slabs which Mr. Levitt had on hand, we referred to the fact that he had imported very extensive machinery, and that as soon as it was erected he would be able to undertake marble works on a scale never before attempted in the colony. The site of the works is in Stanley-street, Mechanics' Bay, and the machinery is now in going order, and a brief deacirption of it will no doubt prove of some interest. The first feature which strikes a visitor is the huge saw frame, built of massive iron, and measuring 13 feet by S£ feet, capable of taking in a block of marble of 90 cubic feet, and working 100 sawe through it, cutting it into slabs of any thickness -from half an inch upwards. The saw-frame is of course horizontal, and is enclosed in a wooden frame of massive strength, 16 feet high and 13 feet long, by 9 feet wide, fitted with iron sliding plates and other appliances. The swing of the saw-frame, which is suspended by four chains, is directly lateral, and is worked by a wooden lever fitted with a sliding drop. The lateral stroke is about two feet in length, and there is no possibility of any side motion, this being prevented by the eliding plates. The whole operation is automatic, the gearing from which the power is transmitted being underneath the frame, and the latter is suspended by a counterbalancing weight worked over four chain sheaves, and two working barrels twelve inches in diameter, and a large wheel five feet in diameter. The feeding to the saws is regulated by the counterbalancing weights, so that the saws are always working effectively and regularly in the cuts at the speed of about 45 strokes per minute. The next important or striking feature is the rubbing or sanding plate, a massive circular cast iron plate, eleven feet in diameter, and weigh" ing 4 tons 15owt. This revolves in s> horizontal direction, driven by bevelled spar gearing, at a speed of 3in 1. The immense advantage of this appliance was apparent on the ocoasion of our visit, when a large number of pieces for mantel shelves, &c, were placed on it, aud all were being ground together into proper shape ready for polishing, while we are informed that bj hand work each piece would have to be worked separately. It is estimated that this plate does more work than could be accomplished iu a given time by 50 men. The polishing frames, to which the slates are removed from the sanding plate, are on an upstairs loft. Four polishers, 8 inches wide and about 2 or 3 feet in length, composed of thick white felt, dressed with some powder which gives the polished surface, can bo worked together. Each frame is IS feet long, and combined they are capable of doing as much work in a day as 20 men could do by hand, although they require hardly more than the supervision of a child. In fact, a young girl was the operative at this portion of the machinery when we visited it. The whole machinery is driven by a 15-horse power engine and boiler. It is all imported, and is of the pattern of the most recent adaptations in the leading marble works of England. The whole plant hx.3 been erected by Mr. E, Friend, engineer, Auckland, in a most satisfactory manner, and it was a work which required no little care and skill, as the greater portion of the working gear is under ground. That there is ample room for such an industry as that just established by Mr. Levett seems to be assured. At present the operatives and plant are engaged, amongst other jobs, in preparing the marble mantlepieces for the new - Harbour Board Offices, besides which there are other works on hand. Mr. Levett.also purposes making the machinery available for other purposes of great utility. Any persons having marble on their lands can have its worth fully tested by machinery at Mr. Levett's works, and'if the material should prove of value, he will also become a purchaser. He is willing to out or test stone for any applicant. Mr. Levett has on view at bis works some very elegant monuments, in various colours and sizes, from the stately tapering monument, 14 feet in height, of dark blue marble, and the handsome marble pillars of mottled Irish green, to the less pretentious marble slabs, at from 50s upwards, which are cheaper than the ordinary tombstones of Oamaru stone. The industry is now fairly started, and we trust that Mr. Levett will find full and profitable use for it. He fully anticipates being able to compete with the imported marble work at regards price, and by cutting the stone to the best advantage, and thus obviating waste, he expects to be able to work with profit to himself and advantage to his patrons.