WEST COAST OIL SEARCH

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31902, 1 February 1969, Page 42

WEST COAST OIL SEARCH

(From Our Own Reporter) WESTPORT, January 31

If a seismic survey of the West Coast, to be made soon by Esso Exploration and Production is successful the company will carry out offshore drilling in the area. The survey will be made where the first of three radio by Western Geophysical, of Houston, and if its findings are favourable a rig will be brought to the West Coast probably in March. The survey vessel Bayou Chico is expected in a fortnight’s time from New Guinea by way of Wellington. The ship is expected to start operations at the top of the South Island, near Paturau, beacons to assist in the navigation of the ship will be set up on land. Other stations will be erected in hill country along the coast at Mount Stormy, near Karamea, and on the Paparoa range, at the back of Westport. The ship will work day and night, travelling about five knots, and at some stages will be more than 70 miles from shore. Street Collection About $l7OO was collected by the Canterbury Surf LifeSaving Association in its annual street appeal in Christchurch yesterday. The association’s publicity officer (Mr L. J. Tointon) said last evening that this was about tbe same amount as last year. The money would be used for surf life-saving equipment in Canterbury.