dethridge wheel

In 1910 John Dethridge invented an irrigation farm water metering wheel - used in the United States, Africa and Israel as well as Australia. They weren't very accurate and could be 'tampered' with (so water was delivered unmetered) but must have been the best thing around to have lasted for nearly 100 years. Mr Dethridge's wheels are being replaced by a solar powered, remotely operated flume gate.

This wheel has grown some interesting rust.....