DRILLINGRIG MOVES OUT

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32635, 17 June 1971, Page 9

DRILLINGRIG MOVES OUT

Koporanga 1 a dry hole

(N.Z. Press Association)

HAMILTON, June 16. The Koporanga 1 well, 26 miles south-west of Taumarunui, is a dry hole. The managing director of Brown’s Petroleum Drilling Company (Mr A. W. Brown) said in Hamilton today basement rock was hit prematurely at 2000 ft. The well was now being sealed. It was the second probe in the Taumarunui area drilled by Brown’s for Anzpac Petroleum Corporation, an independent American oil company. The first well was also dry. Mr Brown said that the rig would now move to Republic Petroleum Corporation (N.Z.), Ltd’s licence area near Hamilton to drill two exploratory wells for the company. The first well, Waikato 1, would be drilled four miles north of Hamilton near Horsham Downs. Site preparations were made during the past week, and an access road was almost completed. After Waikato 1 another well will be drilled near Whatawhata.

Business personal

Mr F. W. Littlejohn has been appointed chairman of directors of Godfrey Phillips (New Zealand), Ltd, from June 1, on which date he will retire from his position of managing director. Mr Littlejohn has had 35 years service with the Godfrey Phillips group, the last 17 years as managing director in New Zealand. Mr Littlejohn will be succeeded by Mr W. M. Rouse, who has been appointed general manager and a director of the company. Mr Rouse comes from the Melbourne regional headquarters of Philip Morris International. Godfrey Phillips (New Zealand), Ltd, is an affiliate of Philip Morris Inc., New York. Mr D. C. Garrett has been appointed marketing manager for Godfrey Phillips (New Zealand), Ltd.