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Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1919, Page 4

THE OIL INDUSTRY. It would lie a great pity if the refinery plant at New Plymouth, just (bought by tho Anglo-Persian Company, were dismantled and removed elsewhere. It, is true enough that at present there is no use for such an elaborate plant, but it is conceivable tlmt it might be put to good service in the near future were the industry taken up comprehensively and energetically The industry itself has never baeu given a fair chance. The various companies have" done their best with the limited means and plants at their disposal. They have sliown that a field exists that merits the fullest testing and exploitation, but they have not been at any time in a position to carry on the work on tho lines necessary to ensure success. The petroleum industry is one of tho most difficult and intricate in the world, and calls for the most expert and experienced talent combined with practically unlimited financial resources. Tho experience of the Anglo-Per&ian Company itself has proved this. There was a time —and not so very long ago—when it appeared as if the company would be unahle to weather the storm after sinking two millions' stsring in the Persian field. The Imperial authorities, luckily for tho company and also for themselvos, came to the rescue and ever sicca the com-

pany lias gone oil progressing- Our fields in Taranaki may cot ba as extensive as those in Persia; on tho other hand they may foe, The ffict remains that well over a million gallons of oil hnva already been won, which proves the existence of oil measures of considerable promise, and worthy of attention by a. lr? prospective company like the Anglo-Persian Company, under sorr.9 equitable form of subsidy arrangement with the Government. The importance of the industry to New Zealand ,ind the Empire renders it imperative that an energetic effort should be made to thorough]v exploit the field without delay, and io keep the refinery phl.t in tiie country meantime