PETROLEUM NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 263, 28 March 1911, Page 4

PETROLEUM NEWS

GREAT PRESSURE OF GAS. There is still a great pressure of gas at the Taranaki Company's No. 3 bore. An attempt was made to lower the tools . and commence drilling operations, but the pressure was too great, and the tools had to be withdrawn. The pump was, however, kept going, so as to clear the bore of silt, but great difficulty won experienced in this. On several occasions during the day there were tremendous outbursts, oil, silt nnd water being shot up to the top of the derrick, which has been roofed with a view to controlling the oil within the derrick, instead of allowing it to spread over the surrounding neighborhood. By this means no oil whatever need be lost, as it can all be skimmed olf the surface after it has congealed. So strong at times is the pressure of gas, that U huge eight-ton boiler, which is being utilised as a gasomever, and which was put in a fixed position for the purpose, was actually shifted an inch and a quarter out of position. At another period there was so much pressure on tihe pipe between -the bore and the gasometer that a coating of frost was to be seen along the outside of the pipe, similar to what may be witnessed in refrigerators.

The outburst at No. 3 has not affected No. 2, which is still giving forth its oil as steadily as of yore. At No. 5 drilling operations are still progressing favorably. The bore is now down to 1320 feet, and the strata, though still of papa, is proving more amenable than was the case a few days ago. The Hon. Jas. Carroll, acting-Premier, made the following remark in the visitors' book at the works at Moturoa last week: "It's future yet to be. 'The petty done, the undone vast.' When science, capital and evolution proclaim their majesty, Taranaki shall reap its harvest." Buy preferenee shares at once. They are a perfectly safe and very promising investment, and one that may be recommended with confidence. Send to Walter levief , New Plymouth.—Advt.