Page 6 Advertisements Column 2

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11368, 10 May 1900, Page 6

The Ota go Daily Times says:We have made some inquiries into the alleged scarcity of coal in Dunedin, and find that there is undoubted ground for the assertion. It is the West Coast supply in which there is a shortage in Dunedin and elsewhere, and not only local foundries and factories, but the Dunedin City gasworks and the Railway Locomotive Department have been recently and, indeed, are at the present time—somewhat pinched in their use of that commodity. We are told that if it had not been for the Sling Point, Allandale, and Kaitangata coals, a serious stoppage would certainly have resulted in several works in Dunedin. At present there is less than a week's supply at the gasworks. To meet the great demand which has been felt for some time, the Weslpoft Coal Company has increased its output this year by 1000 tons a week, but the increase being insufficient for the extra demand, the company is making arrangements, which will be complete in July, to raise its output to. 9000 tons a weefc. At present its output is 7000 tons a week. Considerable interest was aroused in New Plymouth recently by rumours of a gas explosion at the new bore at Moturoa. It seems that petroleum gas was struck at a depth of about 1730 ft, and an explosion took place, the water with which the bore was filled being projected through the top of the derrick, and, mingled with papa mud, scattered in all directions for a distance of upward of 100 yds. It is now upwards of 12 months since the bore was commenced, and drilling has been continuous though slow. Slight indications of oil have been met with at various depths at and bolow 1360 ft, and water has been successfully shut off with Gin casing at 1452 ft. Of the total depth of 1730 ft, 1711 ft has been cased with Sin casing. ', TUCKER'S CUSTARD POWDER. Four packets assorted flavours in each 6d • ' box; overjTvhore,