NATURAL GAS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1935, Page 5

NATURAL GAS

A PEZZI.E FOR EXPERTS. > / f LONDON, July 7. Many experts believe that there is oil under the village of Heathfield, Sussex, where, lot over 30 yeais, a supply of natural illuminating gas has welled up out of the earth. Until 12 months ago this gas, which flowed from a wed on Southern Railway poperty,- had been used to light Heathfield Railway Station, hut since then the whole supply has been handed over to the Minister of Mines, , whose research department now uses it for experimental purposes. How this wonderful supply of gas was accidentally discovered was related b v the stationmaster at Heathfield. “A wed was being bored for a supply of water for the locomotive department,” ho .said, “when one day the foreman well-sinker struck a match tolight his pipe. As lie struck it, a huge sheet of flame went up from the well. “Experts soon discovered that a source of natural gas had been tapped, so a cap was placed over it with a valve, and two gas containers built. For 39 years this gas, without any pumping has forced its way. from the earth and kept the containers full, and the station was lit by it. “Many other bore-holes have been sunk in the district to try and tap the source of this gas, but none of them lias succeeded, and nobody, so far has ever found any oil.

'• “Scientists and oil experts from all over the world have visited Heathfield to see this well and to investigate, it, but opinion seems to he very much divided us to whether there is any oil under the village.”

Avoid winter complications—Coughs are dangerous and may weaken the respiratory system, thereby developing chest complaints. Bo careful. At the first sign of "a cough or sore throat, talc© Pnlmonns. The fumes will penetrate the lungs and throat and give you immediate ease. Doctors recommend Pulmonas. Is, Is 6d, and 2s 6d a tin.—Adv