(B&W) [Scenes at Rangitata Diversion Race]. Channel of rushing water. Bulldozer moves earth. Men working earth with picks. Earth moving machine. Men working on construction site. Two women walk arm in arm up road (Phyliss Watson on right). Men driving earth moving machines. Snowcapped mountain range. Men taking a break. Large group of people pose outside building. Crane moving earth.
[Scenes of ceremony for laying of new pipe, Surrey Hills Syphon, Ashburton]. Writing on pipe ‘Surrey Hills Siphon. First twelve foot pipe placed by the Minister of Public Works The Hon. Robt Semple, Oct 19th 1940’. Man makes speech on platform to crowd. Pipe hangs off cables above crowd, pipe is lowered into channel in earth. Car drives part way through pipe, man [Semple] poses beside car. Second man poses beside car. Second pipe is lowered.
Scenes of train derailment [Ealing]. Train passes over bridge. Flood waters under bridge. [Scenes of Hinds-Mayfield irrigation scheme]. Earth mover drives over bridge. Bulldozer drives down bank. Tree is felled. Bulldozer pushes earth. Bulldozer fells large trees. Colonial home and garden with swimming pool in front (The Withell / Watson family home. The swimming pool out the front was made by itinerant workers during the Depression). Toddler girl plays with ball and washing basket. Family group pose including men in army uniform.
(COL) Scenes of Picton and Marlborough Sounds from moving boat, boat approaches wharf. Willows in golden light. Ceremony at monument, flags flying in circle, crowds gathered. Colonial farm house. People relaxing in grounds, swimming pool. Large house and gardens. [Scenes of party in Domain]. Groups of people having picnic including [Fijian men wearing sulu]. Large homestead. Small girl looks at camera. Fijians talking, Fijians get into car.