OIL PRODUCTION IN N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23087, 1 August 1940, Page 6

OIL PRODUCTION IN N.Z.

——♦ — PROGRESS REVIEWED INTENSIVE SEARCH BY SCIENTISTS [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.! WELLINGTON, July 31. Up to the end of 1939 the Dominion’s total production of crude petroleum oil is estimated at 2,988,081 gallons, states the annual report of the Minister for Mines (the Hon. P. C. Webb). Last year, 103,631 gallons were obtained. Horn Nos. 1, 2, -and 4 wells of Moturoa Oilfields, Ltd.. Taranaki, and 800 gallons were recovered from the Kotuku field on the West Coast of the South Island. “Since the passing of the Petroleum Act in 1937 a thorough and intensive search for oil in the Dominion has been prosecuted.” states the report. "In contrast with previous attempts, the work now being undertaken is being carried out with the most modern equipment, which is being operated by expert and scientifically trained staffs. “Altogether 65 licences to prospect for oil have been granted over an aggregate area of 11,590 square miles in the North Auckland. Gisborne, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, West Coast (South Island), and Otago districts. “Two modern drilling plants are at present in Die Dominion, one capable of boring 10,000 feet, and the other to a depth of 15,000 feet. One hole at Totangi. near Gisborne, was drilled to a depth of 5 3 700 feet, taut because of unfavourable conditions had to be abandoned. The plant was then- Shifted to Morere, where the drilling of a second hole was commenced. Two holes were drilled in the North Auckland district, the depths being 837 feet and 1461" feet respectively. Plans were well advanced toward the end of the year for drilling a hole at Midhirst, in xsi'cinsßi “Apart from drilling, intensive geophysical and geological investigations, topographical surveys, and palaeontological examinations have been made, and large areas have been geologically mapped by licensees. Altogether, 132 persons were employed, consisting mainly of technical staff." .