TARANAKI PETROL

Hokitika Guardian, 23 August 1930, Page 1

TARANAKI PETROL

A GOOD SHOWING. (By Telegraph--Per Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, August 22. The first showing of oil occurred in the Moturoa Oilfields Company’s well to-day, and the experts consider it augurs well for a better flow. Heavy gas pressure was met at a depth of 2123 ifeet. When gas blew out 'vio--2123 feet. Wlie gas blew out violently it was unexpected, and presented a difficult problem, the pressure at times being 600 pounds to the square inch. This morning, cqntrol of the gas was obtained, and liquid mud was pumped into the well by high pressure pumps. During this process, which necessitated circulating mud inside the casing, it was noticed that a good showing oi oil accompanied the mud, and collected on the top of the pump. The oil is very light, indicating that it has filtered through strata from a greater depth. The intention now is to cement oil all the water above the point where the present oil indications occur, ny forcing cement round the outside oi the eight inch casing. The level at which oil was obtained in tlie same area many years ago was about 2300 feet. This depth should be reached within five or six weeks in Motorna in the Company’s well.