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63
Special Reports.
The following reports of special visits paid by your Medical Officer
of Health and Inspector Yates were submitted to the Public Health
Committee during the year:—
1. Artificial Stone and Asphalt Makers.
These works, situated in Stockholm Road, consist of a large twostoreyed
building and a spacious yard, the whole occupying the site
between Stockholm Road and the canal. Stabling for 15 horses is
situated on the first floor and this is reached by a long concrete road
rising at a very easy gradient. We found the stable to be well lighted
and ventilated, free from any odour, and scrupulously clean ; every
place possible is kept limewashed.
This firm is engaged in (a) The manufacture of artificial stone, and
(b) Asphalt and tar-paving.
Artificial Stone. Pieces of various kinds of stone, such as york
stone, limestone, etc., along with granite, are pressed through crushers
where they are broken into small pieces, and then again into very fine
pieces; thereafter they are mixed with a certain quantity of very fine
ballast. Different kinds of cement are added with the requisite amount
of water. The whole is then mixed by hand and is ready for placing
in the moulds. These moulds, which are constructed of wood, are
made in the carpenters' shop, another spacious room. The mixture is
placed in the moulds where it is allowed to set, the time varying in accordance
with the size of the casting. Once it has thoroughly hardened
the mould is removed; it is taken to pieces, being all in sections. The
casting, at present in the rough state, is now subjected to a rubbing and
cleaning-off process, fine sand and stone dust being used. Eventually
the external faces become smooth and clean, and the whole gives an
appearance of stone. The colours can be varied by adding colouring
matter during the casting process. Cast in all sizes, this artificial stone
can be used for all constructional or building works, such as sections
for staircases, ornamental decorations, etc. An advantage is that this
artificial stone is not affected by the London atmosphere, which, of
course, readily attacks natural stone. The stone work is used in London
and throughout the country generally.