FIRE AT AN OIL BORE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9588, 7 September 1909, Page 5

FIRE AT AN OIL BORE.

By Telegraph—Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH, Sept. 6. Disaster overtook the Taranaki Petroleum Company's No. 3 bore at 6.30 o'clock this evening shortly after work ceased and when the night watchman came on duty It appeurs the oil which had been flowing spasmodically all (W recommenced about 6.15, and the watchman filled one barrel ai.rt went outside to secure another empty barrel. A strong wind was t.-luwing. and it is believed that the gas which was issuing strongly from the bore was swept by the wind into the boiler room some distance away. In an instant the whole place was a mass of flames, the gas and oi) issuing from the bore heipi is to feed the flames. The whole of the derrick was demolished within an hour, but through the exertions of the manager and staff it is believed the bore itself is intact and safe. The directors will meat in the morning, when immediate rebuilding operations will be decided on. The occurrence is particularly unfortunate at tha present time, when the producing capacity of this, as well aB No. 2 bore, was practically proved. It is not known whether the machinery is seriously damaged, but in any cas9 further work of developing at the bore will be thrown back at least four weeks. It is a singular coincidence that this well was demolished by fire alter a gas explosion some years ago and it is only within the past year it has b,een re-opened.