A doyen of New Zealand jet-boating has taken a trip back down memory lane, though this trip was on water, and he didn't do it alone
It's an impressive line-up - 30 Hamilton jets, many of them classics in their right. And even one model that's very much a one-off.
The occasion was to honour one of Hamilton's long-time employees.
Alf Dick was a farm hand south of Tekapo when his boss Bill Hamilton began developing the jet water pump in the 1950s. He famously suggested that the spray from the back end of the jet engine should be ejected above the water, not below it.
It was an idea that would change everything. During a classic boat day organised by the Canterbury branch of jet boating New Zealand, a seat bearing his name was unveiled. It was then transported up the river to a jet boaters' hut he and others built, and stayed in many times – in which Mr Dick has very fond memories
"It was beautiful lying in bed with a drink, and you hear the geese."
Now Mr Dick has terminal cancer. He didn't make the trek up to the hut, but being on a jet boat is no hardship.
Once the seat was installed and admired, the return journey was underway.
For Mr Dick it was a day crammed full of nostalgia and camaraderie.
3 News
source: newshub archive
