The Gisborne Standard AND COOK COUNTY GAZETTE. Published every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning. Tuesday, August 9, 1887. “STRUCK OIL.”

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 25, 9 August 1887, Page 2

The Gisborne Standard AND COOK COUNTY GAZETTE. Published every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Morning.

Tuesday, August 9, 1887. “STRUCK OIL.”

Be just and fear not; Let all the ends thou aim’st at be thy country’s, Thy God’s, and truth’s.

Mr Weaver, the contractor for the 1200 feet bore at the South Pacific Company’s works, having reported the termination of his contract, a visit was paid to the works last week by Mr Carlaw Smith, the managing director, and Mr Maude. Several other gentlemen had been invited, but owing to various engagements, could not join the party. After a very tedious journey, owing to the wretched state of the roads, the works were reached on Tuesday evening, and an inspection made next morning. The bore was found to be down 1205 feet, and there was a depth of 137 feet of oil in the pipe, being a rise of 77 feet above where the oil was actually struck. A quantity of oil having been pumped up, several bottles and a twogallon jar full were brought into town and tested at Mr Carlaw Smith’s office on Saturday in the presence of several shareholders and the representatives of the Press. Upon the oil being burnt it was found to be of excellent quality, there being no water admixture visible after the burning. Mr Weaver expressed his opinion that the quality was far superior to any of the American oils he has seen. A cablegram was sent to the Sydney directors last week, and it is highly probable that a further contract will be let immediately, as a few feet deeper would, according to the opinions of experts, result in a good flow. There is no doubt as to the bona rides of the inspection, as from what we learn, it is certain that 100 gallons might easily have been pumped up had there been any convenience for bringing it to town. After all the disappointments which have been experienced in the history of the oil-boring operations in the Bay, it is satisfactory to think that at last the Company are within reasonable distance of making a success. For their own sakes and for the sake of all our settlers, we sincerely trust that these latest expectations may be realised, for, bhce a satisfactory flow is obtained, a large amount of capital is sure to come into the district and similar enterprises be started for the development of the mineral oil wealth which the district undoubtedly possesses.