March 18, 1922

TRIGONIA WELL IS DELAYED BY VANDALS WORK

At the stockholders meeting of the Trigonia Oil and Gas company at the public library last night N. L. Josey, the speaker of the evening, stated that work on the well has been retarded by an act of some “mischievous” person or persons.

During the Christmas holidays the well was left unprotected and someone dropped several large chunks of steel down the hole practically plugging it. Mr. Josey in a spirit of charity characterized this person or these persons as “mischievous.” Due to ignorance of the presence of the steel the drilling crew continued to drill and after three months have succeeded in penetrating nine feet thru steel. The last shift of drilling put the drill down 14 feet. The company is again ready to start at the rate of 14 feet per day. The well is now at a depth of 1390 feet. The water which is above the 800 foot level is cut off and conditions are favorable for the resumation of drilling.

He commended the directors on the care with which they have handled the funds and said that altho some things might have been done differently that the best methods were used under the circumstances. Progress may have been slow and mistakes may have been made but one who never makes a mistake never accomplishes anything.

In taking into consideration the equipment at the well, said Mr. Josey, the cost of the well so far has not been excessive and every dime has been spent properly. All of the men in charge are capable and experienced and Mr. Watt, the driller, stated the speaker, is a man of ability and thoroughness in this line of work.

Mr. Josey states that the oil is there beyond a doubt. Many people have seen it issuing from the well. He states that the three types of geological formations where the large percentage of oil in the U. S. is found are all present in this valley. In addition to these convincing points in favor of continuing operations, Mr. Josey read a table complied by the U. S. Geological survey which listed Oregon as an oil producing state. This, he states, is recognition and a great point in our favor, as several states were not even mentioned.

— Alissa Corman; acorman@rosebudmedia.com