SEARCH FOR OIL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 44, 21 February 1942, Page 5

SEARCH FOR OIL

"The public should not be disappointed at the results of oil boring operations in New Zealand," said the Minister of Mines, Mr. Webb, yesterday in referring to the work of companies which had been licensed to win oil in the Dominion. The Minister said that numerous instances could be quoted of important companies in other parts of the world where oil was being won in large quantities having had to put down as many as 100 dry holes before the reservoir of oil was reached.

'There will be no let up in the search for oil," he continued. Splendid work had already been done, and experts had been imported to make the necessary geological and geophysical surveys. One company had drilled three holes, one to the depth of 5000 feet, another to 8000 feet, and one to 11,000 feet. These bores had been drilled in difficult country but without success. He understood that arrangements were in hand for a further drilling programme. Other companies had also been to great expense in their search for oil. and he had been informed that another drilling plant, of most modern design, was to be sent out to New Zealand. He had received word from New Zealand's Minister at Washington, Mr. Nash, that every facility would be given to get the plant away.