PETROLEUM NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 265, 30 March 1911, Page 4

PETROLEUM NEWS

DEVELOPMENTS AT NO. 3. When operations were commenced at No. 3 bore yesterday morning it was discovered that about UJ foet of eatings had accumulated in the bore. This was all removed by noon, and about eight feet of new ground was drilled. This allowed a length of casing to be inserted, and the bore is now cased practically to the bottom, where the gas vent was met with at 3GBO feet. With every foot of drilling a greater pressure of gas was encountered. This pressure reached its. climax in the evening, shortly after the workmen had left, and at about seven* o'clock it had become so great that the eight-ton boiler, alongside the tank, used' aa a receptacle for the gas, was ripped) up like paper. This was principally owing to the bottom of the boiler having become thin and not equal to the strain. Precautions had, however, been tdken before the workmen left the bores, to see that all the valves leading out of the boiler into the iron tank had beea left open. Drilling at No. 5 « still proceeding in fair country. _ There is nothing new to report about No. 2. It still flows as usual. LADIES AT THE BORE. At the invitation of the directors, the members of the W.C.T.U. paid a visit to the bores yesterday afternoon. They, mustered in good force, conveyances being placed at their disposal by Mr. Ti- and about 83 were present. Considera.no interest was taken in the bores. After first inspecting the flowing on at No. 2, the stored oi| in the underground tanks was investigated, as was also the method of firing ndopted at the boiler. This greatly impressed them, and, in fact, some of the ladies became really alarmi'u at what they termed the "inferno." The miniature refinery interested those who were able to get into the building, and Mr. Keith had a busy time answering questions, which flowed fast. The party then adjourned to No. 3, and after watching the oil flow from between the casing into the oil tank, the cap was taken off the bore, which was thus given full vent. The gas and oil escaping made a deafening noise, which greatly alarmed the fair visitors. Some, however, bravely stood to their guns, whilst others beat a retreat to what they considered a safe distance. Before returning to town, JJrs. Douglas, on behnlf of tne ladies, voiced the feelings of all by saying that they had had a most enjoyable time, and had been greatly interested in what they had been. These remarks were supplemented by another delegate, who stated that in future any Tress references to Taranaki oil would ho much more intelligible to them as a result of their visit. Buy preference snares at once. They are a perfectly safe and very promising investment, and one that may be re» commended with confidence. Send to Walter Bewley, New Plymouth.—Advr.