BORINU FOR OIL.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1155, 16 June 1911, Page 2

BORINU FOR OIL.

IN THE WHANGAREI DISTRICT,

(By Teleeraph.-SDCcial Correspondent.) Auckland, Juno 15. For some time past a u (langarei syndicate has been lirospecting tor coal ana oil on the Kiorcroa Diock, a strip ot land that is vested in the Whangarci High School Board of Governors, and which is bounded on one side by tha Otaika Stream and stretches eastward as far as tho Whangarei Railway Wharf. Three bores havo beon put down, and tho results aro most encouraging. The No. 1 bore has been sunk to a depth of 480 ft.'on the foreshore near the Railway Wharf. A second boro has been put down to a depth of 81ft., near the eastward portion of tho Otaika Creek, and a third bore, alto in that vicinity. In the No. 2 bore a high-ly-inflammable gas continually escapes. Dr. Bell, geologist, lias now forwarded a most flattering report, on the property, and urges the syndicate to continue their operations. Dr. Bell says that the escapo of gas from the No. 2 bore does not necessarily menn that mineral oil will be discovered, although tho gas is frequently an indication of tho same.

At a meeting of the Whangarci High School Board of Governors the syndicate applied for a fifty years' leaso of the Kioreroa Block, to cany on prospecting operntions and developments. The Board of Governors decided to defer the request until they had gone fully into tho matter, which would embrace the question of royalties, etc. Great interest is being taken locally in the operation?, as it is realised that successful developments will mean much to the district. Tho property lias a deep-water frontage to the harbour, and is therefore most favourably situated in regard to shipping facilities.