The establishment of seismological and magnetic observatories at Heard Island is described. Brief descriptions and photographs of the huts and instruments are given. Earthquake phases recorded between April 1951 and February 1952 are listed, as are absolute magnetic observations made between July 1951 and January 1952. Although Heard Island has two active volcanic craters, the region is not very active seismically. Only two near earthquakes were recorded, both probably 2°.9 distant along the Kerguelen ridge. The absolute magnetic observations showed that the high rate of secular change in declination and horizontal intensity is continuing.

Detailed geological investigations were made of two previously selected dam sites, B and A, in the Upper Cotter Valley. Site B1 is geologically suitable for the construction of a dam, but subsequent to the investigation it was found that the storage capacity of this site would be insufficient for Canberra's estimated requirements; hence the site is unlikely to receive further consideration. Site A appears suitable for the construction of a stable dam, though less suitable geologically than site B1. Five recommendations are submitted for consideration.

The four field parties and the Airborne Geophysical Section continued operations in the area during the quarter ending 30th September, 1953. This report provides a summary of the geological and geophysical operations carried out during this period, and an overview of the staff and housing situation.

Existing sources of water supply are described. Proposals for improving the supply of town water are considered. Further investigations are recommended with respect to tapping the southern lobe of the local basin, surface conservation, underground water resources, and the selection of a possible dam site.

On May 3rd, and again on June 1st, the author visited the Cotter dam to investigate a reported loss of water from the fault on the northern side of the wall. This report gives an account of these visits, together with the author's observations and conclusions in relation to the reported water loss.

The geophysical survey described in this report was undertaken at the request of the Snowy Mountains Authority for the purpose of investigating possible sites for the proposed Spencer's Creek dam. The area surveyed is about two miles above the junction of Spencer's Creek with the Snowy River, about six miles east of the summit of Mt. Kosciuszko, and at an average elevation of about 5,700 feet above sea level. The specific information sought by the survey comprised the following: depth and nature of the bedrock, contours of the bedrock surface, nature of the overburden, and in particular, variations in physical properties occurring either horizontally or vertically. The seismic refraction method was used in the survey. This report gives an account of the geophysical survey and its results.

This report covers the work carried out by the author who was the geophysicist in charge of seismic and magnetic work conducted on Macquarie Island during 1951-52. It deals mainly with the preparation of and repairs to huts, the continuation of the seismic recording programme and the installation of a magnetic recorder. Although scientific achievement was not outstanding, the way has been prepared for a successful observing programme in the future.

Following a request from the Department of Works and Housing, the Bureau of Mineral Resources carried out a geological investigation of a possible dam site in the valley of Pierce's Creek, a tributary of the Cotter River. The general geology of the area, and aspects of engineering geology, are discussed in this report. A geological plan of the site is included.

An investigation into the possibility of providing additional water supplies to the township of Tennant Creek was carried out by the Department of Works and Housing. A request was made to the Bureau in March, 1947, to carry out a geological examination of possible dam sites in the Tennant Creek area. A preliminary inspection of two possible sites was made on 5th June, and a detailed plane table survey of both sites was carried out on 6th and 7th July, 1947. The location, access, topography, general geology, engineering geology, and recommendations for future investigation and work are discussed in this report.

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.