THE OIL FIELD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 306, 4 February 1910, Page 4

THE OIL FIELD.

ANOTHER SEAM PENETRATED AT No. 2. A SPLENDID PRODUCER. ■ MAGNHFICENT MIDNIGHT DISPLAY. Since the manager three days ago pushed .the easing down past the fine oil seam which was struck at a depth of 2020 ft. in No. 2 bore, and proceeded to bore deeper to test the country at a greater depth, overy foot showed that another oil seam was not far off. Drilling through good country—sandstonegood progress was made, and shortly before midnight on Wednesday, when a deptli of 21i70 feet—over half a milehad been reached, the oil deposit was tapped. Immediately, with a terrific roar, oil, salt water and silt were burled from the mouth of the bore to a height far above the top of the 50ft. derrick, and the display, which the men on duty describe as the biggest ever seen on the field, continued' for over an hour, before it abated sufficiently to enable the staff to cap the top of the casing and divert the flow into the reservoir. From then on to an early hour this morning, when tiie latest information was to hand, the well continued to hurl forth immense quantities of salt water mixed with oil in about the same proportions as was the cast from the vein penetrated last week. From actual measurements, the 2020 ft. vein is capable of producing between 40 and 50 barrels daily, and the new vein is. so far as yesterday's flow demonstrated, of not less capacity. In all probability, after the new seam lias been allowed to "prove" itself by a few days uninterrupted running, the manager will endeavor to shut off the flow by lowering, the casting below it, and again resuming boring to test the country which lies below. Everything so far points to the belief that still greater supplies lie below. As soon, however, as the manager considers prospecting has been carried down to a sufficient depth, the casing will be perforated opposite each of the oil seams that has been penetrated, and thus secure the full producing capacity of the whole well. Yesterday the bore was visited by a very large number of shareholders and others, and the keenest interest and nthusiasm was evinced in the proceedings. The market is very firm, and there are few local sellers. Transactions aver> age 10s, but sales have been made up to 13s 3d. l Pumping has been resumed at No. 3. and the usual average of 8 to 10 barrels a day is being maintained. At an earty date it is expected a start will be made to test the lower levels at this bore. Work is proceeding apace at No. I bore, and with ordinary luck the Well should be quite clear within a week. An immediate flow from; this well should follow.