Story: Irrigation and drainage

Bob Semple in an irrigation pipe (1st of 3)

Bob Semple in an irrigation pipe

Bob Semple, minister of public works in the 1930s, was largely responsible for the construction of the Rangitātā diversion race, and the development of irrigation in mid-Canterbury. Here, he dramatically poses with his car inside a large pipe used in the construction of the Surrey Hill siphon, a part of the scheme.

Using this item

Rangitata Diversion Race Management
Reference: Glenys Hopkinson, Water put to work: a history of Rangitata diversion race. Ashburton: Rangitata Diversion Race Management, 1997, p.11.

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How to cite this page:

Terry Heiler, 'Irrigation and drainage - Beginnings of irrigation', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/19601/bob-semple-in-an-irrigation-pipe (accessed 13 May 2024)

Story by Terry Heiler, published 24 Nov 2008