PROSPECTING FOR OIL

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 June 1928, Page 4

PROSPECTING FOR OIL

OPERATIONS ON WEST COAST.

In the course o£ a conversation with Mr Charles N. Taylor, of the Taranaki Oilfields, Ltd., who is conducting tlhe company’s operations in the Gisborne district, a “Star” reporter learned thaT the company, contemplated making a geological survey of several areas on the "West Coast, in which it was thought oil might possibly be present, during the coming summer Asked if operations were likely to be resumed at Kotuku, Mr Taylor stated that seepages and indications of oil were more prolific at Kotuku than anywhere else in New Zealand. The field in that locality had been exhaustively tested in the past, when operations were carried out on a fairly large scale. The fact that such seepages existed was an indication that there was a deposit of oil somewhere in the locality. Its occurrence certainly warranted further scientific investigation.

During the past ten years great strides had been made in oil technology, and previous to that time little comparatively was understood by the pioneers of the oil industry, stated Mr Taylor. It is hoped that the proposed survey will result in boring operations being undertaken. The company was one with a high standing in Australia, having behind it some of the foremost investors of that country. The advantages of having such a company spending money in a district would readily be understood and appreciated. If results were in any way encouraging, operations would be placed on a commercial basis. He could add nothing further at the present juncture.

POVERTY BAY REPORT

GISBORNE, June 26.. The Taranaki Oil Fields report for the week ended June 23: —

Gisborne, No. 1 well, drilled in heavy caving ground to 3015 feet; 41 inches diameter casing run to the same depth. Hope to make better progress by means of sand pump despatched to the well to-day. Gisborne, No. 2 well, drilled to 840 feet, in firm sandstone, and shale. 121 inches diameter casing run to 828 feet.