This report describes the results of a micropalaeontological examination of samples from the Kopperamanna bore.

The area under investigation forms a portion of a coastal sandy belt 1,500 to 2,000 feet wide, which extends from Main Beach (Southport) to South Nobby (North Burleigh), and is about 5 to 15 feet higher than the low-lying coastal plains adjoining it on the west. The known deposits and probably all of the deposits of heavy minerals between Southport and North Burleigh occur either on the present sea beaches or in the eastern half of the sandy belt. Preliminary boring and sampling of the area was carried out early in 1948. Bores were put down to water level using a post hole auger. When the sand brought up from a borehole appeared to contain appreciable quantities of heavy minerals it was sampled by quartering. An account of the investigation is set down in this report. The distribution of heavy minerals and the tonnages available for mining are shown on the accompanying geological plans. Estimates of the quantities of heavy minerals have been tabulated.

A field party from the Bureau of Mineral Resources left Melbourne on 19th March, 1949, together with a relief party from the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition. The objects of the party's visit to Macquarie Island were the establishment of a Seismological Observatory, the determination of the secular variation of magnetic declination, and the location of magnetically suitable areas for a proposed Magnetic Observatory. The present preliminary report is concerned exclusively with an accident which occurred during the construction of the Seismological Observatory and which caused injuries to A.B. Billan, R.A.N. The building plans and choice of the site are discussed.

An inspection of radioactive minerals was conducted in the Marble Bar area. The localities of Wodgina, Mount Francisco, Pilgangoora, Alisa Downs, Trig Hill and Cooglegong were visited. Occurrences of monazite, yttrotantalite, pilbarite and radio-active columbite were investigated and samples collected for further examination. An account of the inspection and subsequent findings is given in this report.

This palaeontological report describes a collection of fossils from Fitzroy Crossing.

In the recent past, geologists have been inclined to confine their study to the structural traps and openings which localize individual ore shoots and have tended to neglect most other features, including considerations of ore genesis. L.C. Graton has recently remarked that "the out-standing unfilled need lying ahead is the discovery of new mineralized districts". In this connection he speaks of "the all-important standpoint of genetic understanding". As a contribution towards filling this need, the following points, relating to mineralization in the Cobar-Nymagee province, are here presented for consideration.

In March of this year Mr. A.E. Hawker, of Jindare, forwarded to Canberra a small bottle containing water and a yellowish, oily substance which had formed a coating on the inside of the bottle. Microscopic examination of part of the coating proved the presence of globules of oil and also revealed Desmid algae. It seemed probable that the oil had been derived from the decomposition of algae or other recently dead plants. However, as the locality from which the sample was taken lies within a belt of Cambrian limestone, it was possible that the oil had its origin in this rock. While recently engaged in field work in the Northern Territory, Mr. C.J. Sullivan and the writer examined the localities where oil was said to occur. This report comprises an account of the field observations and geological notes made during the examination.

Later in September, 1948, the writer, accompanied by L.C. Noakes and an officer of the Department of Works and Housing, Mr. F.K. Hosking, spent part of a morning examining the rock in Mt. Mugga quarry. The object of the examination was to find whether the rock was suitable for aggregate, as the presence of pyrite had been reported some years ago. A set of representative specimens was collected, and these have been studied microscopically. The geological and petrographic characteristics of the rock specimens are described in this report.

This report is a record of field work carried out by B.H. Flinter and G.E. McInnes during January-February, 1949. The area covered extends south from Queanbeyan and Mt. Stromlo to 3 miles beyond Williamsdale and represents an easterly extension of the work carried out by W.J. Orme and H.M. Harris in 1948 (Record 1948/031). The investigation was essentially of a regional character and little detailed mapping or close examination of sediments or igneous rocks was attempted. The stratigraphy, igneous rocks, structural observations, and physiography of the area are described in this report. Accompanying geological sketch and section plans are included.

This report describes the findings of a micropalaeontological examination of a small collection of limestones from Cape Range, Rough Range and Learmonth Aerodrome, Northwestern Australia. The collection is characteristic of the Tertiary deposits of the North West Basin. The majority of the limestones belong to the "f" stage (Middle Miocene) of the Netherlands East Indies "letter" classification but the shelly limestone from Rough Range, in the absence of zonal Miocene foraminifera is regarded as Lower Pliocene. A detailed palaeontological description of these samples is given in this report.