PETROLEUM WELL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2047, 6 April 1907, Page 1

PETROLEUM WELL.

Press Assqc.iqtjo.fl. NEW 1 PLYMOUTH, yesterday

The directors of the Taranaki Oil Company visited the Birthday well yesterday for the purposes of testing the apparatus fixed for the public trial next week. After running ofT some six barrels of oil in about half tho time previously taken, the gas became so strong Jliat tho oil came to the surl'aee intermittently, although at short intervals. The

directors therefore rqug up Mr Geo. Adams, an expert of great practical experience in several countries. Upon his arrival he at once pointed out two causes for the cessation Qf

flowing, one being one inch, with a tap which further curtailed this onethird. He stated it was impossible for both gas and oil to How through a pipe of this small size. He strongly emphasised that the bore having beep neglected su tong, R badly wanted cleaning out. This process was always periodically done in other countries. These two matters

being attended tp, lio felt sqre that the well would satisfy the directors’ most sanguine anticipations, Unfortunately this course will require again placing the engine there to pump the bore free from any silt that has accumulated during the

long time it has jieen closed down, so the directors were reluctantly compelled to postpone the proposed trial for a few weeks. Mr. Adams, from what lie had seen, had no doubt the bare was a payable one, even as it was running to-day. Questioned as to. liis estimate of £200,000 for a refinery plant, lie. stated that this meant a refinery of sufficient size to compete in the outside markets with strong corporations and trusts, and include)! lay.gt- tanks sufficient to store for other local companies, a pipe line, special wax plant, and many other sundries. Mr. Adams states that plenty outside capital could he obtained, hut he. urges Unit we should do as much work' as possible with the present capital, to have a lot to show before we ask outside aid.