MOTUROA OILFIELD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15551, 7 March 1914, Page 8

MOTUROA OILFIELD.

NEW FLOW TAPPED.

EXCELLENT PROSPECTS. [BY telegraph.— ASSOCIATION".] New Plymouth, Friday. Since the first indications of oil in the rotary bore of the Taranaki New Zealand Oilfields. Ltd., about ten days ago, drilling has been carried down to an oil seam similar to that met with in No: 5 well. Yesterday, a powerful gas seam was penetrated at the bottom while drilling. The manager reports that he has not witnessed a stronger outbreak in the Moturoa field. This outbreak commeiiced at 4.30 p.m. yesterday, and lasted till 7 p.m., when the well was capped, and the flow of oil diverted The gas is now as strong as ever. The oil is increasing.

It is impossible at present to determine the yield of oil, but the manager states that the well gives promise as good as any yet brought into oil on the Moturoa field. The oil first touched this bore while Mr. Morgan (Government geologist) was here. He declared it free of water. Mr. Morgan's report on the alleged flooding of the field has been received He found that evidence of flooding is not conclusive, but, with a view to reducing risk of any possible danger in that respect, he makes certain- recommendations as to inspection, etc., which will be acceptable to the oil prospecting companies at present operating in New Plymouth and district. These regulations are in operation in other oilboring countries.