South Pacific Oil Wells.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5363, 16 July 1885, Page 3

South Pacific Oil Wells.

[Pbb Peess Association.] GISBORNE, July 16. The Directors visited the South Pacific Petroleum Company's workß yesterday. They report as follows, Mr Weaver, the contractor, having notified h« had completed the first section [of the contract, 880 feet:— "On arrival at the works, steam was got up and the drill worked, subsequently being withdrawn, and the depth attained was found to be 899 feet, The hole was then cleaned out by means of the sand pump. After being Eent down five or six times, the presence of oil was made clearly manifest, being brought up mixed with sand, in about equal proportions. More importance is attached to the indications from the fact that Mr Weaver's predictions to the Board for some time regarding the depth at which he would strike sand, when he expected to obtain the first decided indications of oil, have been verified. Mr Weaver considers he will strike veritable oil rock at a further depth of 250 to 300 feet ; and we have the strongest reasons for believing his predic- I tion will prove correct. The bore is in first-class order. The pipes are perfectly plumb from end to end, and the whole I machinery is in good working order. We certify the above is correct. — Fbed. J. Shelton, Edwabd F. Wabd, Directors."