Search For Oil In Papua

AUSTRALASIAN Petroleum Company Pty., Ltd., reports that drilling for oil in Papua was slowed up during June by difficult formations. Special pressure drilling equipment and chemi cals for treatment of the mud flush are being procured to overcome these condi tions. The first consignment of equip ment for the two additional drilling out fits has arrived at Port Moresby. The position at the various test sites is;— Hohoro: Depth remains at 2,192 feet.

Upoia: The hole has been drilled from 1,601 feet to 2,231 feet.

Oroi: 9½ inch casing has been inserted to 1,155 feet and cement has been pumped to the formation. It is believed that these operations have cased off the worst of the caving formation, and that it will now be possible to deepen the hole below 1,980 feet.

Maialaua: Road formation has been completed to within one mile of the rig site. An area for housing and industrial buildings is being cleared.

Wana: Construction of staff and labour quarters, office and hospital and jungle clearing of the alignment for a light rail way are in progress.