Third Southland Oil Bid Ends

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31197, 22 October 1966, Page 1

Third Southland Oil Bid Ends

“The Press" Special Service INVERCARGILL, October 21. Drilling for oil at the third site in Central Southland ceased this week with the dismantling of the rig.

The drill test had been bored by the Arrowhead Company, of Denver, Colorado, for the New Zealand Petroleum Exploration Company. Ltd., to a depth of 3481 ft. Drilling started earlier this month, but difficulties were struck when the sides began caving in after the first 500 ft.

A company official said he was unable to say whether oil had been found or not. He also declined to give the future movements of the 136 ft. 60-ton rig. The first and third attempts were made within a quarter of a mile of each other at Gap road, Winton.

“We have finished with this particular site,” he said.

This bore, on the property of Mr T. Weily. was the third drilled in the area. The second was at Drummond, seven miles away. In the first two cases oil and gas were fou.id. but these showings were slight. More than £500,000 was spent on the first two attempts, which were carried out by the South American company of Persaciones Laughlin Parter, S.A.. for New Zealand Petroleum Exploration. The Arrowhead company was brought in for the third attempt. In the first attempt the depth reached was 3323 ft and in the second 7003 ft Company statements made

earlier this year said encouraging signs of hydrocarbons had been noted at the first site at 2600 ft.