TARANAKI PETROLEUM WORKS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 59, 7 September 1909, Page 3

TARANAKI PETROLEUM WORKS.

FIRE AT NO. 3 BORE. NEW PLYMOUTH, 6th September. Disaster overtook the Taranaki Petroleum Company's No. 3 bore at 6.30 this evening, shortly after work ceased, , and the nighUvatclunan had gone on duty. It appears that oil, which had been flowing spasmodically all, day, recommenced about 6.15, and the watchman filled one barrel and went outside to secure another empty barrel. A strong wind was blowing, and it is believed that the gas, which was issuing strongly from the bore, was swept by the wind into the boiler-room, some distance away. In 'an instant the whole plant was a mass of flames, gas and oil issuing from the bore helping to feed the flames. The whole of the derrick was demolished within an hour, but through the exertions of the manager and staff it is believed the bore itself, is intact and safe. The directors meet in the morning, when immediate rebuilding operations will be decided on. The occurrence is particularly unfortunate at the present time, when the producing capacity of this, as well as the No. 2 bore, is practically proved. It is not known whether the machinery is seriously damaged, but in any case further work of developing at the bore will be thrown back at least four weeks. A singular coincidence is that this well was demoli&hed by fire, ensuing op an explosion of gas, some years ago, and had only within the past year been reopened. The prospects of the company are in no way hampered by the present occurrence.