PETROLEUM

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8099, 2 May 1906, Page 2

PETROLEUM

There is little fresh to report from the petroleum bore. The pump has not jet been started, and, if present indications continue, is not likely to be required for some time. Oil is (lowing freely from the overflow pipe, and oyer one thousand gallons have becn|eollccted in this way since Sunday night. The pressure in the outer casing continues to increase, and the manager estimates that were he to open the inch outlet pipe full on, the jet would be thrown right over the derrick, about fifty feet high. Yesterday afternoon a small demonstration was given for the purpose of taking a photograph inside the building. Opened only the fraction of a turn, the oil was thrown through the one meh jet to a height of fifteen feet. There is no doubting that an extensive oilwell has now been tapped. Until a great deal more tank accommodation has been provided for the oil—the present storage tanks being almost full, as well as most of the barrels on hand —pumping will not be attempted. The ilow, which is being forced out by the pressure at the bottom of the pipes, is as much as the present facilities can cope with. Hundreds of inquiries are pouring in from all parts of the colony for information. Already negotiations for the formation of a large company to exploit ttic works arc under way, and Mr Pair (the Manager) and Mr H. Weston, one of the directors, proceed to Wellington to-day in connection with the matter.