TARANAKI OIL FIELDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2600, 7 September 1909, Page 4

TARANAKI OIL FIELDS.

PLANT AT NO. 3 BORE DESTROYED BY FIRE.

[Per Press Association-! NEW PLYMOUTH, Sept. 6. Disaster overtook the Taranaki Petroleum Company’s No. 3 bore at 6 30 this evening, shortly after work had ceased and the night watchman came on duty. It appeal's that the oil, which was flowing spasmodically all day, recommenced about 6.15 p.m.. and the watchman filled one barrel and went, outside to secure another empty barrel. A strong wind was blowing, 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 plant was a mass of flames, the gas and oil issuing from the bore helping to feed the flames. The whole of - the derrick was demolished within an jj| hour, hut through the exertions of the manager and staff it is believed that the bore itself is intact and safe. The directors meet in the morning, when immediate building operations will be decided on. The occurrence is particularly unfortunate at the present time, when the producing capacity of this asi well as No. 2 bore was practically proved. It is not known whether the machinery is seriously damaged, but in any case further work of developing at the bore will he thrown back at least four weeks. A singularcoincidence is that this well was demolished by fire ensuing on a gas explosion spine years ago, and only within the past year has it been reopened. The -prospects of the company are in no way "hampered by the presentoccurrence.