Complete irrigation system

Press, 23 September 1983, Page 23

Complete irrigation system

A Christchurch firm which was formed six months ago offers farmers a complete irrigation service. The firm, Austin and Jones Irrigation Systems, Ltd, can advise on what type of irrigation is suitable for a particular farm, design the system and carry out the installation, said one of the partners, Mr Lew Austin. The company has access to all makes of irrigators and equipment and can offer an unbiased opinion on the type of equipment best suited to the individual farm, said Mr Austin. If required the company can advise and supply equipment for parts of a scheme or it can take control of the scheme from start to finish.

The firm was formed because of the increasing interest shown by farmers in irrigation. The company’s directors had noticed that there was room in the irrigation industry for an unbiased service not offered by some of the larger companies who sold their lines of equipment only, said Mr Austin. “We can pick the eyes out of the equipment offered by all firms and recommend a system for farmers comprising pumps from one firm, and fittings, mainlines, and distribution equipment from others,” he said. The company’s partners include: Mr Austin, who has been involved with irrigation for 16 years, including farm surveying, irrigation

design, hydraulics and business management. Mr Peter Jones who has been in the industry for 19 years, serving an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner involved with the manufacture, installation and servicing of many types of irrigation equipment. Mr Stuart McKay has spent 10 years in the industry and has been involved in the manufacture, installation and servicing of pumping and irrigation equipment. Austin and Jones is con; centrating on servicing the area between the Conway and Waitaki Rivers, but has had inquiries from as far afield as Blenheim and Central Otago.