Random reminder

Press, 14 March 1977, Page 23

Random reminder

SECRET OF HIE DEEP

It all began years ago. But then, so did most of the interesting parts of history. He bought a house which was next to one of Chritchurch’s earliest homes, a stately mansion sitting in last grounds and wearing all the dignity of age. But after a few y ears the stately home was regarded as derelict. and the bulldozers came to knock it down. When they went away, our friend discovered that there was a beautiful artesian well next door. His son also made a discovery. He found a lot of water pipes, elbows and joints, etc. An industrious young man. he busied himself piping the splendid artesian supply into the area of his father’s garden.

Before very long, the land next door was split up. new homes were built on it and the contractors were obviously unaware that they had built a concrete drive over the artesian well. The well continued to function beautifully, however. and it helped our friend produce crop after crop of fine vegetables. It also gave him uneasy nights, for over the years he had never lost a sense of guilt over appropriating the water. But the y ears went by peacefully. until very recently. His wife telephoned him at work, asking him to come home straight away, because something had gone wrong with the well. There was water everywhere she said. So he rushed home and started

digging frantically. I.e found the right pipes, but could not see where the leakage had begun.

Reluctantly, and highly embarrassed, he went to his neighbour and owned up to the whole dark plot. He poured out the well-keot secret. He told all. He apologised. But the man was helpful, and together they spent a couple of hours tracing the pines. Then the neighbour stood up and said “Just a minute.” He disappeared.

When he returned from his house, he had the whole problem sorted out. “Don’t worry,” he said, “I know where the water came from. My son left the garden hose on all last night.” But our friend is happier now. He sleeps easily.