SEARCH FOR OIL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20060, 5 October 1939, Page 4

SEARCH FOR OIL

MINISTER OPTIMISTIC j GISBORNE AREA RESULTS j COMPANIES’ NEW POWER OPERATIONS ON ROADS (Special to the Herald.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Petroleum Act has been amended by the House of Representatives by adding a clause authorising mining operations on roads and streets with the consent of the Minister ,of Mines, after consultation with the local body. The Minister, the Hon. P. C. Webb, explained that geophysical work in connection with the search for oil could be .conducted along country roads during the winter months when the heavy machinery required could not operate across farm lands except at enormous expense. If the machines worked on the roads the county councils would be paid co. pensation for any damage Mr. W. J. Poison (Nat., Stratford): Don't they fire shots? The. Minister replied that deep holes were sunk for firing, but no damage was done. This question had been raised by Taranaki counties, but the work could not be undertaken without their consent. Replying to a question as to how far the present drilling had proceeded near Gisborne, Mr. Webb stated that it had reached 6000 ft, but the equipment was being moved to another locality. Over 100 scientific men have now engaged in the oil search in New Zealand, with some of the finest plant in the world. Good work had been done, and he felt encouraged.

“I am quite optimistic enough to believe,” he added, “that we will get oil ”