Marble: In Home find Industry

One of Nelson's great natural resources is its marble, and to an ever-increasing degree Nelsonians are becoming aware of its value as a beautifying aid, Many homes have striking marble fire surrounds and it is being used extensively now in new buildings. But it wasn't until recently that we learned of the many different ways in which this beautiful stone can be used. In Vanguard Street we visited the workshop of the Zealandia Terrazzo Company where the various manufacturing processes were explained to us.

First step in terrazzo work is this mundane but highly important job of i correctly mixing the different coloured marble chips, being carried out here by owner, Mr "Starkie" Del Favero.

Even the company sign is in terrazzo

Examples of the various ways in which marble can be used

In making terrazzo slabs a concrete reinforced base is first laid, then the marble chips are added, the job being done here by Michael Del Favero.

The completed slab when dry is in a rough state, but it is soon given a high polish with the machine being used by Jack Searl.

Something different again, a natural marble fire surround.

Terrazzo is used extensively as a permanent material in many parts of the new City Council Chambers

Hand polishing is used to finish off some tricky little corners that can't be reached by machine.

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The Nelson Photo News

No 54 : May 1, 1965

Marble: In Home find Industry