Spring water from under the harbour from the WairarapaSculpture by Paul Dibble
The story behind the sculpture
Moore Wilson Grocery is located on a site previously used by a local soft drink company - Thomson Lewis & Co.
In 1926, the soft drink company's managing director, Mr A M Lewis, became convinced there was water underground beneath the building so he commissioned Manawatu water diviner Bill Brogden to investigate. Mr Brogden and his divining rod did indeed find water but he could not accurately estimate the depth. Mr Lewis then contracted the Richardson Drilling Company to drill an exploratory bore. No water was found at normal depth but Richardson's were instructed to keep drilling.
Eventually, at 497 feet, water was found and the discovery resulted in a flow to the surface of 500 gallons an hour. The artesian water was tested and found to have an excellent analysis; absolutely clear, colourless and odourless. For 53 years the water was used in the manufacture of Thomson Lewis Crysal Spring soft drinks.
It is believed the water comes underneath Wellington Harbour and originates in the Wairarapa. The original bore and pipe still exist inside the Moore Wilson building so the water is still accessible and remains as pristine and as pure as ever.
In 1926, the soft drink company's managing director, Mr A M Lewis, became convinced there was water underground beneath the building so he commissioned Manawatu water diviner Bill Brogden to investigate. Mr Brogden and his divining rod did indeed find water but he could not accurately estimate the depth. Mr Lewis then contracted the Richardson Drilling Company to drill an exploratory bore. No water was found at normal depth but Richardson's were instructed to keep drilling.
Eventually, at 497 feet, water was found and the discovery resulted in a flow to the surface of 500 gallons an hour. The artesian water was tested and found to have an excellent analysis; absolutely clear, colourless and odourless. For 53 years the water was used in the manufacture of Thomson Lewis Crysal Spring soft drinks.
It is believed the water comes underneath Wellington Harbour and originates in the Wairarapa. The original bore and pipe still exist inside the Moore Wilson building so the water is still accessible and remains as pristine and as pure as ever.
That is very interesting! i love the background story!
ReplyDeleteWe use an artesian well all the time... this area is loaded with them.