The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 87
Dunedin, October 26th, 1877
October 26th, 1877,
I hereby certify that for the last twelve years I have freely made use of the stone known as the Oamaru Stone, in several important buildings throughout Otago, chiefly in churches and banks, and similar class of work.
In all cases where it has been made use of by me, I have not noticed up to this period any evidence of decay, and I consider it to be the best stone for general purposes in connection with external or internal finishing of buildings to be obtained in the colonies.
Being obtainable in large blocks, it gives every facility for carrying out massive works, and the ease with which it can be worked into any form, permits of richness in detail and carving being introduced, which would be impossibly in harder material unless at say three limes the cost.
R. A. Lawson,
Architect.