The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 1937. IMPORTANT DISCOVERY.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1937, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 1937. IMPORTANT DISCOVERY.

The southern boundary of Westland is marked by an imaginary straight line from Mt. Aspiring to the sea at Big Bay. The next inlet to the south is Martin's Bay, and it is in that locality that oil has been discovered it-

cently. It is interesting to know that the new roading scheme for the far south will traverse the back country from Martin’s Bay. The route follows the Hollyford river, - by Lake McKcrrow to Big Lay, and it would appear will he a useful access route for the back country known to be so highly mineralised. It is some few months since the discovery o 7 oil was reported, but very little information was published at the time. It has now been ascertained that particulars were supplied the Government, and it was decided to have the discovery investigated. It is said the site of the oilfield is at Martin’s Bay, which is about seven miles north of Milford Sound. The area over which the deposits are known to exist is a large fault extending for about twenty miles along the Coast. Private prospecting has been in hand for some time, and the unrefined oil has been tested for heating values with satisfactory results. Supplies of usable oil were taken into Queenstown some time ago when the report above referred to, was circulated. Unfortunately, the geologist sent to investigate the position was unable to land from the visiting steamer, and the official investigation is postponed for the time being. However, records of investigation show that Professor Black .in former years, -when the oil discoveryhad not the value it now has for commercial purposes, realised the -importance of the find. It was some thirty years ago that Professor Black with a prospector, went searching for gold, and observing the indication of oil deposit recommended further investigation. As confirmation of the position the Professor prepared a full report, and it is through that report that the recent further investigations were stimulated. Tnc prospectors consider the oil has been located in payable quantities. It is said the strata conpares to the requirements necessary, and they are confident test bores will justify their optimism. The experts consulted about the position, display a natural caution, and there is the fear that the supply may not be adequate for the cost of recovery involved. The fact that there is no gusher of oil, it is said, indicates the absence of an unlimited supply. The scientists have stated that New Zealand is definitely in the oil zone, but it is pointed out also, that the Dominion is on the extra fault line,.and fear that the ultimate' supply of oil procurable underground will be affected. It is stated by another expert that the Martin’s Bay find may be of the capacity of that at New Plymouth where marketable quantities of oil are being produced. However. there are sanguine hopes of the possibilities of the southern find, and it is well to have the discovery tested thoroughly. Among the possibilities from the commercial -point of view would be a saving in freight transport of supplies from across- the seas. A local source for military supplies would be another advantage. The whole matter is certainly one for the closest investigation.