THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 124, 16 November 1911, Page 4

THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY

THE TRUTH ABOUT MR. OKEY'S .CLAIMS. Mr. D. Berry writes to the editor:— As Mr. Okcy claims that he has done so much for the oil industry, I may be permitted, although it may be hardly politics, to show that he did not do anything like what i 9 claimed. Re the geological survey, my letter book will show that I had a lot to do with this; in fact Dr. Bell in my office told Mr. Clarke that he had obtained more information from me in under one hour than during the rest of his time here. The particulars of the component parts of our oil were obtained from analysis of it obtained by me from A. V. Craig, of Paisley, and were furnished to Mr. Okev at one of the company's 'meeting*

Messrs. Carter Bellringer and myself went as a deputation to Wellington re obtaining a bonus from the Government. Sir Joseph Ward could not see. us, as he was very busy, and had sent southern deputations away for from one to two mouths. We. however, saw the Minister but failed to obtain any satisfaction, and returned home. Some time after, not feeling that the best had been made of our case, I (and here 1 must speak in the lirst person a good deal) decided to take a. week off and again visit Wellington on the chance of doing something. The directors knew I was going, but were not asked for anything for expenses, in case I did not succeed. I went through on Friday, and on Saturday morning saw Mr. Okev, who asked me what T was down about.'When he was informed, he told me it was useand showed mo a letter from the Minister to the chairman regretting that the Government could not see their way to grant any assistance at present: a.lil he then advised me to return. I told him T was not built tiiat way, and proposed to obtain an interview with the Premier, but failed to get move than a handshake until the following Thursday night. Tn the meantime I prepared three different schemes, by way of bonus, and after a discussion lasting the whole, of the supper adjournment the Premier agreed to adopt my third scheme, wliieli ,is that in force now, and under which the company have; already received £2-500. and will receive their share of the next portion. This is the absolute truth of the matter, and can be verified on reference to Sir Joseph Ward, who no doubt will state what is a fact, that he never saw Mr. Okev in connection with this bonus. If Mr. Okev's other claims ure as true as this, he should indeed be returned—to his ''crying in the wilderness."

MR. P.ELLPJXOKR. F.XPLATXS TUB POSIT I OX. Speaking at Bell Block last, evening. Mr. P.ollrmaer referred to Mr. Okov's claims in regard to his assistance to the petroleum industry. Tie said that when th<> Minister of Minos was approached with repanl to assistance for the oil industry. Mr. Okey introduced the deputation, of which he. (sft. JVllriiiger) was a member. Their reception was not a favorable one. Mr. Okey did his best, hut failed to obtain for the deputation an interview with the Prune. Minister. Mr. Perry did succeed on his own. and placed the position before him. The speaker also obtained a. private interview with the Minister of Minos, and placed the position further before him. TTe had no desire to detract from Mr. Okey's s'hiiro „f the credit due. but truth demanded that he should I ell them that Mr. Berry. Mr. Carter and himself had done as much, if not more, than the man who appropriated all the credit to himself.