PETROLEUM DEPOSITS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1927, Page 8

PETROLEUM DEPOSITS.

It must be very gratifying to those who have , always believed in the existence of valuable petroleum deposits in Taranaki to find their opinions supported by leading geologists. In a report issued by the Chief Government Geologist (Mr. P. G. Morgan) and a member of his staff (Mr. W. Gibson) the likelihood of such deposits is thoroughly discussed. Sixty years ago that eminent geologist, the late Sir James Hector, stated that while it was certain mineral oil existed in Taranaki its locality and quantity had still to be ascertained. That is still the position today. Attempts are still being made to solve the problem, fortunately with the aid of all that science has been able to teach in the two generations since Sir James Hector reported. After considering all the various attempts to obtain oil in payable quantities the Government geologists show that it is in North Taranaki that the most promising indications are found, though they go on to say that “the whole of Taranaki, with the exception of the small areas occupied by volcanic necks, is certainly underlain by tertiary sediments, almost entirely marine, with a total thickness probably exceeding 8000 feet. These tertiary strata, containing organic remains, and not metamorphosed in the ordinary sense, are potentially oil bearing throughout.” The search for oil has been a long, drawn out one, but the result when success is achieved will be of incalculable benefit not only to Taranaki but to the whole Dominion. The latest official report shows at all events that those now prosecuting the search are by no means, following a will-o-the-wisp but have scientific support in their quest.