SEARCH FOR OIL IN DOMINION

Southland Times, Issue 23408, 15 January 1938, Page 4

SEARCH FOR OIL IN DOMINION

Applications Made To Government

MR WEBB OPTIMISTIC ABOUT PROSPECTS IMPORTANT COMPANIES INTERESTED Several important companies are already seeking the right to prospect for flow oil in New Zealand, according to the Minister of Mines (the Hon. P. C. Webb). In an interview at Christchurch the Minister said that very keen interest in prospecting for flow oil in the Dominion was being taken by big companies, and during the next few weeks he would have to consider their applications for prospecting licences. Provision for granting these licenses is made in the Petroleum Act, which was passed during the last session of Parliament.

“I must be guarded in my comments about the possibility of finding oil in paying quantities in the Dominion, ’ remarked Mr Webb, “but I can say that I am convinced, on the authority of very eminent oil geologists, that there is a very reasonable prospect. The strata to be found in many parts of this country are practically identical with those from which oil has been produced in other parts of the world. “This country has never been even half prospected and if the job is to be done properly much capital is needed as well as the best scientific technique. If the companies that are now applying for prospecting licences go ahead with the work, we will at least be assured that the most modern plant in the world, directed by the most expert miners, will be used to prospect'for oil in the localities recommended by leading oil geologists. “If oil is found in paying quantities the Government will stipulate that the petrol and oil produced for Dominion use must be refined in New Zealand; and before oil can be exported a permit must be obtained from the Government. I am convinced that before long a very serious and determined attempt will be made to prove whether there is oil in this country in payable quantities.”