| Date: Wed 14-Sep-1994 Paper Page: 3A Publication: Daily Nation Writer: Timothy Maynard JOHN MARSHALL, the man at the centre of the Three Houses Spring water controversy, says he is caught between a rock and a hard place. He has two court decisions to comply with -- one in 1992 and the other last August -- which together order him to permit the free flow of spring water through his property to three adjoining properties. "This is an impossible task and whatever I do I will be in violation of these orders," he told the MIDWEEK NATION yesterday. The St. Philip Three Houses Spring branches into three directions on Marshall's 30-acre property which he bought about five years ago. He said it is impossible to permit the constant flow of the water without some valve control since the natural course of the stream will prevent water flowing in three different directions at the same time. Marshall said farmers have no water problem now the rains have come, but predicted that another dispute will arise during next year's dry season. "Does the court order mean that they can bring backhoes on my land and dig up my place?" he asked. During this year's drought Marshall placed a valve in the stream to control the flow of water but the High Court ordered it removed. Marshall said he was in no way responsible for placing boards in the stream to block the water flow last week. |