THE SEARCH FOR OIL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 24 November 1925, Page 7

THE SEARCH FOR OIL.

SURVEY OF POVERTY BAY. BORE TO BE STARTED SOON. “There are more geologists working 'in Poverty Bay at the present time 'than have- ever been concentrated in I any one part of New Zealand before,” Mr. Chester Washburn, in the 'course of a brief interview at Gisborne. Mr. Washburn, who is one of "the foremost geologists in the United 'States, has arrived to take charge of {'operations in connection with the 'search for oil in Poverty Bay. his !company has amalgamated with the '.Taranaki syndicate, and the joint rejsources of the two organisations will 'lie utilised in the district. From the manner in which the derailed survey, work is being carried out 'it is apparent that the company means ■business. The geological staff engaged funder Air Washburn comprises Messrs W. C. Miller, Cole, Fyi'e, and McPherson. The two last are New Zealand trained men. Mr. AAhitney. another American geologist, will be domTing to Poverty Bay again in the near {future and will be engaged in the detailed survey. Dr. Clapp, who was responsible for the initial report, which resulted in the company’s work in the district, has returned to America. Speaking of the prospects of discovering oil in payable quantities Mr. ‘.Washburn was non-committal, but .'eventually lie vouchsafed the informajfcion that the company hoped to put down the first well before the end of -'the summer. The location of the bore ’(has not yet been decided upon.