INVESTMENT IN OIL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 248, 19 April 1912, Page 4

INVESTMENT IN OIL

TH-K 'SITUATION REVIEWED. Surely, Taranaki has at last come into its kingdom. It has not only "struck oil," 'but it is unquestionably going to develop a large, and prosperous industry —on<! of national importance. Ten or twelve years ago there was the utmost uncertainty in respeet to the geological conditions which existed in the oil-bear-ing 'territory of Taranaki. Xow, reasonable definition has been arrived at. The oil strata to-day are as plainly recognised as would lie well-defined reefs. Oil means money, commercially speaking. The Anglo-Californian oilfields, and the Burma oilfields—two British companieshave averaged, for example, dividends of 30 and 23 per cent, respectively during the last seven years. The Taranaki (Xew Zealand) oil wells, with their already fine flow of oil, and their valuable possession of further oil-tearing country, have before them a remarkable piospect. Xo wonder shares are in demand, and that active enquiry is being made by invest-' ors. There is unquestionably every likelihood of this substantial concern stead- i ily paying dividends—and good ones, too. 'We daresay it is .because that now Taranaki oil has behind it experienced men of business of strong financial standing, that the advice and services of the foremost experts in the world have been secured, and that management of the best and most practical kind is to prevail, Unit .public confidence has .been gained. Shortly, when plant and equipment of modem character have been installed, and when the refinery has been erected, there should be a most generous and profitable output of Taranaki oi'l. As the Taranaki oil wells are almost alongside the Xew Plymouth wharf, the good market which exists will be readily j leached at a minimum cost. As we have remarked, capital in the Taranaki (Now Zealand) Oil Wells, Ltd.. is being eagerly subscribed for in Xew Zealand, and as only a limited number of shares can foe reserved for this Dominion, investors would wisely not delay application. Being a British company, with subscription also at the London end, the list will not be kept open a moment longer than has been pre-arranged.