VISITING THE OIL WELL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2611, 20 September 1909, Page 5

VISITING THE OIL WELL.

A MOTOR TRIP. A party of Gisborneites set out yesterday in four motor cars for the purpose of visiting the oil well - at Wartangi Hill. They made an early start, and, making good time, wore at AYhatatutu in time for breakfast. The cars were lol't at the hotel, and the party then proceeded on horseback along the crook and over the hills to wheie the boring operations are taking place. The plant is not kept working on Sundays, but the visitors were courteously shown round by the foreman, and were greatly interested in the explanations given of the methods employed in boring for oil. Some of the oil that has already been obtained was examined, and everyone agreed in pronouncing the quality excellent. Four barrels have just been sent to town for inspection by these interested. Since this oil was obtained the pipes have been driven another 30 feet below the surface, bringing the total depth to 700 feet. After seeing all that was to be seen at this point, the party proceeded to the site of the old oil wells. Surface oil is to be seen here bubbling up into a pool, which also contains water, and a big blaze was made by first lighting some manuka scrub over the pool. The townsmen then rode back to Whatatutu, which was reached in ampletime for lunch, after which they motored back to town. Mr. P. Elliott has recently assumed control ol the Whatatutu Hotel, and the visitors wore unanimous in praise of the arrangements ho had made for their convenience and comfort. Ihc roads on route to Whatatutu are in capital order just now, and. the ride was consequently a most enjoyable one.