"STRIKING OIL."

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 893, 12 August 1910, Page 4

"STRIKING OIL."

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE.. • For many years past effort's have been made to develop the production-of min-eral-oils in different districts of the Dominion and considerable sums of monej have been expended in efforts to _ "strike oil" ill various localities. _ During the past year operations in boring were carlied out by prospectors in. the Tarauaki, Gisborne, Grey, and Southland districts, with variable results. Now (says the Mines Statement, presented to Parliament yesterday) success appears to have been attained by at least one of. the companies which so consistently carried .out boring operations in the Taran iki oil region, and according to present indications it is anticipated that their efforts are about to be rewarded. If the present flow of oil continues it is expected that this company will soon be in a position to claim the bonus of 3d. per gallon which has for some years been offered by tho Government.' There are at least two important questions connected with the future development of the mineral oil industry in this country demanding early and careful consideration.' The first is the establishment of a mineral oil refinery, and what assistance, if any, should be given •by the State towards the development of this exceedingly important new industry. The second question demanding attention is legislative control of the . flow, and storage of mineral oil in large quantities. There are at present probably 100,000 gallons of crude petroleum stored in concrete tanks in the vicinity of the tojvn of New Plymouth, and,, while every reasonable precaution was being taken, it was desirable to point out that this is an exceedingly dangerous practice. In no other country in the world is the manipulation of mineral oils permitted without control or recitation to ensure public safety. .To remedy this omission it is proposed to submit legislation for consideration during the present session.