SEARCH FOR OIL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 November 1938, Page 4

SEARCH FOR OIL

INVESTIGATIONS IN NORTH AUCKLAND j OPERATIONS NEAR DARGAVILLE The possibility of oilfields existing in the North Auckland district is being investigated by a company known as Northern Oilfields, Limited, the head office of which is in Auckland. More than three years ago a small group of North Auckland residents decided to investigate the possibility of finding oil in their district. They were encouraged by reports from numerous sources, and also by evidence supplied by a well-known water driller whose local experience extended over many years. The assistance of an organiser was secured in the first instance, and later the employment of a geologist with American and Mexican experience was decided upon. The group, or syndicate, gradually increased the number of its members and today is merged in a company. The function of this company is to test an area of 200 square miles held licence from the Government in terms of the Petroleum Act, 1937. With success attending the testing programme it will be the further function of the company to plan the development and exploitation of the field. Geological investigation has been continued and the reports submitted are said to have been very gratifying to the sponsors of the enterprise. Evidences of oil, gas and salt springs have been confirmed and geological structures suitable to test for commercial oil have been located and lined up. A geophysical survey of the area to assist the geological work was undertaken by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and a chart plotted showing the trend of its isoanomaly lines as registered by a Schmidt vertical magnet field balance. Two experienced drillers and a staff of assistants are now engaged drilling the first test bore, which is located south-east ot Dargaville. It is expected this bore will be completed before Christmas.