Phil. I hadn't considered that. Being a gullible country dweller myself, living on an island, it did not occur to me that it could be so. I have seen examples of such myself living in a small community now that I come to think about it. However, what if there was gold or oil in undiscovered huge quantities on their piece of land? The investment would be quite a good one. Unless you suggest that they have already investigated the possibility and drawn a blank or kept it quiet. It could explain why there is a hole in the bucket from carrying gravel and trying to pan with it.

I do agree there is no such thing as a poor farmer even though many walk around with their arses hanging out.

The suggestion of alternative technology using a wind driven pump and plumbing is admirable. If these two lacklustre souls could be persuaded to buy a wind turbine (using their secret gold reserves which they have already acquired), not only could they pump water by the electricity generated, but they could also use an electric grindstone to sharpen the axe for future use.