TARANAKI OIL WELLS.
I SERIOUS MISHAP. NEW PLYMOUTH, September 8. A disaster overtook the Taranaki Petroleum Company's No. 3 bore at 6.30 this evening shortly after work had ceased and the night watchman had come on duty. It appears _that the oil, which had 1 been flowing, spasmodically all day, recommenced about 6.15, and the watchman filled one barrel and went outsider to secure another empty barrel. Astronjf wind was blowing, and it is believed tha\ the gas which was issuing strongly from the bore was swept by the wind into th* boiler room, some distance away. In art instant the whole place was a mass of flames, the gas and oil issuing from th<^ bore helping to feed the blaze. Thewhol* of the derrick was demolished within an hour, but, through the exertions of the manager and staff, it is believed that- the ■ boie iteelf is intact and safe. The directors will meet in the morning, * when immediate rebuilding operations will be decided on. The occurrence is particularly unfortunate at the present time,' as the producing capacity of this, as well' as No. 2 bore, was practically proved. ; It is not known whether the machinery! ' is seriously damaged, but in any case the further work of developing at the bore will be thrown back at least four weeks. It is a. .«in«rular coincidence that this well was demolished by a fire ensuing on af ga.s explosion some years ago, and it is only within the last year that it has been reopened. The prospecte of the com- . pany are in no way hampered by the pr«« sent occun'ence.
Schlag-bruecker is a small village near the- great Krupp gun factories, and damage is often done by projectiles during the testing of the big guns. Compensation for this damage is a big item of the firm's, expenditure, and Krupps have decided to' buy the village outright and raze it to the ground. • The Wanga-nui Ha.rbour Board has secured the services of the Wellington Har* bour Board 1 diver, accustomed to explosives, > to blow up the steamer Charles Edward^ ' Operations are to begin at once, and in a( few days the old steamer sihouLd be demol-« " iehed.
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Otago Witness, Issue 2895, 8 September 1909, Page 26
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365TARANAKI OIL WELLS. Otago Witness, Issue 2895, 8 September 1909, Page 26
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