PARLIAMENT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 290, 20 September 1935, Page 7

PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

DOMINION’S OIL RESOURCES.

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, This Day,

Mr W. J. Broadfoot (C., Waimarino) asked the Prime Minister to-day whether he would have steps taken at the earliest possible moment to ascertain whether petroleum exists in New Zealand, and would he introduce legislation similar to that in force in the United Kingdom.

Mr Forbes said it was the Government’s intention to undertake such geological and geophysical explorations as were necessary to follow up the indications andi explore the extent to which oil resources were likely to occur in various districts in the Dominion. Already a considerable amount of exploration of this character had been carried out by the New Zealand Geographical Survey and by overseas companies. These districts contained well-defined geological structures which must be drilled to test them adequately. Drilling in a new country like New Zealand was costly, and the Government was at present seeking expert advice as to whether the expenditure would he justified.

As regards the production of petroleum from coal, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research had at present a highly-qualified official ill England who was watching developments in .regard to hydrogenation processes having in view the possible utilisation of the Dominion’s coal resources for the production of the Dominion’s future supplies of petrol. This officer, who had already carried out considerable research work on the characteristics of New Zealand coals, was in a position to acquire the fullest knowledge of all the latest developments concerning coal hydrogenation. The Government was fully aware of the need for legislation governing prospecting for, and the development of, the oil resources of the Dominion, and during his recent visit to England opportunity was taken to discuss, the British legislation with leading authorities. The question of the introduction of similar legislation in New Zealand is at present receiving consideration. The Shipping and Seamen (Safety and Load Line 'Conventions) Bill was put through committee without amendment. „ . ' i When the Rabbit Nuisance Amendment Bill was before the committee Mr W E. [Parry (Lab., Auckland Central) said he thought the Bill was being pushed through too quickly. There was a number of organisations, sucli as acclimatisation societies, who had not seen the Bill and who did not know it was to be put through that day. He urged the Minister to send the Bill to a select committee so that representations could be heard. Mr H. M. Campbell (€., Hawke s Bay) suggested that the powers of rabbit inspectors which had been curtailed should be restored to deal with the rabbit menace. Mr T. D. Burnett (0., Tennika) urged that local bodies such as county councils should be given the power to stock poisons. The Minister said amendments would have to he made to the Counties Act to enable county councils to stock poisons. , Mr W. H. Field (€'., Otaki) said lie thought that farmers who lived outside rabbit board districts should be- given the opportunity of buying poisons at the same price as those living in rabbit districts. The committee stage was completed without an amendment being made, and both Bills were read a third, time and passed. The House rose at 10.25 p.m.