NEW OIL LEGISLATION

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 11, 7 October 1927, Page 12

NEW OIL LEGISLATION

Sir, —The writer is under no illusion regarding the depth of the rocks as arrived at by the Director of Geology. The report states: ‘The whole of Taranaki, with the exception of the small areas occupied by volcanic necks, is certainty underlain by tertiary sediments, almost entirely marine, with a total thickness probably exceeding 8000 feet. These tertiary strata containing organic remains, and not metamorphosed in the ordinary sense, are potentially oil bearing throughout.” The writer sees no reason why he should correct or withdraw his previous remarks regarding the obtaining of oil at such great depths. The time is ;at hand when vour Dominion should follow the excellent example set by the Commonwealth and States of Australia in appointing highly-trained oil geologists to take charge of and develop the oil resources of the Commonwealth and New Guinea. The writer has the utmost regard for the accurate knowledge and high ability of the Director of Geology, but “oil is oil,” and to locate and develop is a “specialist’s job.” The contemplated visit of a party of geophysical scientists is of great importance to New Zealand. The writer prefers to believe that New Zealand will vet produce petroleum in such quantities as will gladden the heart.—l am, etc, OILROCK.