Tragic fountain tale retold

The story of the bizarre death of the man behind the fountain in Wellington’s Oriental Bay has resurfaced after the fountain broke down. Wellington City Council spokesperson Victoria Barton-Chapple said the fountain was built in 1973 and donated to the city by businessman Hugh Carter, who dedicated it to his parents. ‘‘Tragically, only days after the fountain was dedicated, Mr Carter slipped from his launch – which he had sailed from Nelson for the opening ceremony – and drowned in Wellington Harbour, aged 55,’’ Barton-Chapple said. ‘‘The Carter Fountain was renamed in his memory.’’ The council was this week organising a barge with a crane to remove a broken electric motor and pump from the fountain. The fountain is expected to be running again by its 50th anniversary in March next year.