TARANAKI OIL COMPANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13454, 5 April 1907, Page 5

TARANAKI OIL COMPANY.

VISIT BY AX EXPERT.

A FAVOURABLE OPINION

[BY TELEGRAPH. — PRESS ASSOCIATION'.]

New Plymouth, Thursday. The directors of the Taranaki Oil Company visited the Birthday well yesterday for the purpose of testing the apparatus fixed for the public trial next week. After running off some six barrels of oil in about half the time previously taken, the gas became so strong that the oil came to the surface intermittently, although at short intervals, 'the directors, therefore, rang up Mr. George Adams, an expert of great practical experience in several countries. Upon arrival he at once pointed out two causes for the cessation of flow, one- being the size of the outlet pipe, which was lin, with a tap which further curtailed this one-third. He stated it was impossible for both gas and oil to flow through a pipe of this small size. He strongly emphasised the fact that the bore having been neglected for so long, badly wanted cleaning out, a. process always periodically done in other countries. These two matters being attended to, he felt sure that ike well womd satisfy the directors' most sanguine anticipations. Unfortunately, this course will require again placing the engine there to pump the bore free from any silt that has accumulated during the long time it has been closed down, so the directors were reluctantly compelled to postpone the proposed trial for a. iew weeks.

Mi'. Adams, from what lie had seen, said he had no- doubt the bole was a payable one, even as it was running to-day. Questioned as to his estimate of £200,000 for a refinery plant, lie stated this meant a refinery of sufficient size to compete in outside, markets with strong corporations and trusts, and included large tanks sufficient to store for other local companies, pipeline, special wax plant, and many other sundries. Mr. Adams stated that plenty of outside capital could bo obtained, but urged that the company should do as much work as possible with the present capital, and thus have a lot to show before it asks for outside aid.