TARANAKI OILFIELDS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 26, 31 January 1913, Page 7

TARANAKI OILFIELDS

(»¥ TfitEORAPH— JBESS ASSOCI&tiOS.) NEW PLYMOUTH, This Day. The first shipment of machinery for the Taranaki Oil Lands Company is now being delivered on the site of the bore, about 160 yards from the Taranaki Oil Wells Company's No. 5 well, which is yielding oil. The plant is of tho best and most modern type. The manager expects to start drilling early in March next. Gas has been struck in the Taranaki Oil Wells Company's bores at Bell Block, indicating that the field extends several miles east of New Plymouth.

Further evidence and argument in a compensation case were heard by Mr. Justice Chapman and two assessors (Messrs. W. M. Hannay and Richards) at the .Supreme Court to-day. The case, which was commenced in December last, •was a claim by James Walker, of Plimmerton, for the sum of £2115 for the value of land taken and for damage caused by the Butt County Council in the construction of a road to Pahautanui, Mr. Edward Stafford appeared for the claimant, and Mr. A. cle B. Brandon, senior, for", the County Council. This morning expert evidence was called as to tho loss caused by cutting off the water supply on claimant's land. Counsel then addressed the Court. Argument is proceeding. "■ At the Land Board meeting yesterday tho Commissioner repoi'ted the completion of survey of the Whikuihuwaka Block into areas ranging from 402 to 1530 acrca, and it was resolved to offer on tho optional system under .Part 111 of the Lancl Act. 1908, such sections as are available for disposal at the prices fixed by the ranger, excepting section 9, block IV., Momohaki, which i 3 to bo offered on renewable lease tenure. These lands will probably be offered for selection in AtitH or May next.