HON. G. J. ANDERSON.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 May 1921, Page 4

HON. G. J. ANDERSON.

VISIT TO NEW PLYMOUTH.

OIL FIELDS INSPECTED.

The Hon. G. J. Anderson, Minister for Labor and Mines, who arrived in New Plymouth on Wednesday evening, spent yesterday in reviewing various matters which come under the control of his departments. During the morning the Minister was conducted over the oilfield at Moturoa, the object of his visit being to clear up the position between the companies of the Government, who helped some of the undertakings financially.

The property of the Blenheim Oil Company (in liquidation) was first visited. The Blenheim bore had been put down to the great depth of about 5706 feet when operations ceased not so long ago and the casing was removed. Oil was struck soon after the 2000 ft. level, but the deeper boring did not find a better flow. Water containing a proportion of oil is now gushing from the bore, and the Minister was able to see a man removing a layer of paraffin wax from the surface of’a settling pond into which it flows.

Three bores and the refinery site of the Taranaki (N.Z.) Oil Wells, Ltd. (in liquidation) were visited. No. 3 (depth over 3000 feet) is still flowing periodically, and is said to be yielding about 1000 gallons of oil ft month. It was in action at the time of the visit, gas, oil and water being emitted with considerable commotion. There is no derrick above this bore, the whirlwind experienced several years ago having demolished the last one erected. Previous to that another derrick was burned. Nos. 2 and 5 bores of the same company were visited. Both have yielded oil below the 2000 ft level, and have been sunk deeper. No. 2is now blocked. No, 5 has the boring tools in position a? ( they were left when operations ceased and is still forcing up some oil mixed with water.

At the refinery site sufficient still remains to indicate the extensive nature of the undertakings which provided it. The brick buildings have been demolished, but several iron structures are still standing. One contains a huge pile oi cases intended for packing kerosene and benzine produced at the refinery, and an expensive machine for making tins. There is also a laboratory containing a very complete equipment. * In the afternoon Mr. Anderson inspected the workers’ dwellings in course of erection at Fitzroy, and the oil wells on the Carrington Road. He was latei taken for a trip to view the borough hydro-electric works at Mangorei. The Minister returns to Wellington this morning.