A historical study of the search for oil in the Poverty Bay-East Coast district from 1874 to 1912 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History at Massey University

Abstract

This thesis deals with oil exploration in the Poverty Bay East Coast district between the years 1874 and 1912. The Geology of the district is outlined and a brief chronology of events is given. The achievements and problems of boring are related in Chapter I. Chapters III and IV unfold the story of exploration examining company promotion, share holding, public criticism and company expenditure. Chapter V gives brief biographies of most of the men of the district who promoted the companies. The occupations of the promoters are analysed. Public attitudes to the exploration are examined under three themes: the confidence that oil would be found, the question of local or foreign capital; and the benefits Poverty Bay would have received.[FROM INTRODUCTION]