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Story: Building stone

Quarrying Tākaka marble

Quarrying Tākaka marble

These workers at the Tākaka Hill marble quarry are using traditional tools – chisels, sledge hammers and crowbars. Chisels were hammered into cracks to widen them until a block was worked loose. The work was slow and difficult, and is now largely performed by hydraulic machinery.

About this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Leslie Hinge Collection (PAColl-3050)
Reference: 1/1-021976; G

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

How to cite this page:

Simon Nathan and Bruce Hayward. 'Building stone', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 31-Aug-09
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/building-stone/3/5