By: Barry Thomson7th Dec 2020 10:44AMForgot to mention the face excavator could be a Caterpillar powered Bucyrus-Erie. Doesn't look too worn in the photo so could be reasonably new. They produced similar looking machines around 1937. Over to you!

By: Barry Thomson7th Dec 2020 10:17AMGreat photo. This image is too late to be at Otira. I agree with the suggestion of the rail link Parnassus North to Kaikoura. The little green Hudswell, Clarke & Co. Ltd locos of the Public Works Department were the work horses there. Dating this photo is not easy but there are a few clues. The American motor cars with their back to us are 1920s vehicles, I would hazard an educated guess the closest vehicle being a 1925 Buick coupe. The significant vehicle in the shot is what appears to be a 1936 Austin, perhaps a 10hp facing us. On that basis any time prior to c1936 has to be excluded

History records work on the rail section ceased in 1931 and recommenced in 1935, ceasing again in 1941 for a brief period before kicking off again in 1942. So Otira has to be excluded totally on that basis and as you state Mr Drinnan was involved in other activities pre war, the 40s are an unlikely consideration. If we say the Austin is a 1937 model at the latest then this wonderful moment in time could be between 1937 and 1940. Positive research on Mr Drinnan movements prior to WWII could narrow this down further. My guess 1938.
Does Mr Drinnan look 34 years of age??

The face excavator is without doubt an internal combustion engined vehicle which as stated is evidenced by the radiator for cooling. The rugged looking beast is from the American manufacturer Caterpillar. The 'wriggly' Caterpillar insignia is apparent at the top of the radiator. It is a track vehicle. The plates of the left track are evident at the bottom right of the photo. Mr Drinnan is standing with one foot on the track guard.