Tribute to the Hon. R. Semple.

“As you know, the Public Works Department builds New Zealand's railways, and the Railways Department maintains and operates them. It is not too much to say that to the Public Works Department, Mr. Semple brought a new inspiration and a driving force and boldness of conception and execution unexampled in the history of Public Works administration in New Zealand. I say all honour to him, and to his Department and staff for the good job they have done in pushing through the construction of this line in the face of the severest handicaps. In this connection I need make special reference only to the completion of the Mohaka viaduct as an outstanding example of what New Zealand engineers and builders can do under the right leadership and when actuated by motives which place public welfare in the forefront.