At the end of the 1949 field season A.A. Opik, accompanied by D.M. Traves, collected fossils and made stratigraphical observations in the area between the lower reaches of the Ord River and the Victoria River. This report gives a preliminary summary of the results of the journey.

The writer, accompanied by Mr. W.L. Hawthorne of the Geological Survey of Queensland, visited Longreach between 6th to 16th July, 1950, to inspect an area embracing Oakley, Cleeve and Kelso Stations, 8 to 14 miles north-east and east of Longreach. The purpose of the inspection was to re-examine the area previously mapped by Oil Search Ltd., and, if at all feasible, to recommend sites for deep drilling or scout drilling. In all an area of about 18 square miles was examined in sufficient detail to confirm Foster's mapping and to indicate that surface mapping could have little but negative value. The general geology of the area and previous investigations are described. An account is given of the present field investigation, and its results, together with recommendations for future work.

The Zeehan silver-lead-zinc field is in the West Coast Region of Tasmania. Following on the geophysical work carried out for Zeehan Explorations in 1947-1948, the Bureau was requested to carry out a survey on the Mariposa lease held by North Broken Hill Ltd. The purpose of the survey was to examine the Mariposa area for possible magnetic and gravity effects associated with the known mineralization and thence to determine the extent of this mineralization; and also to investigate the swamp covered limestone area for hidden mineralization. Further, it was considered that the results of the survey and behaviour of the instruments in the difficult terrain would serve as a guide to the usefulness of the magnetic and gravity methods in other similar prospecting areas in the Zeehan field. An account of the geophysical work and its results is given in this report.

A visit of one month was paid by the writer to the North-West Basin and the Fitzroy area of the Desert Basin. It is largely due to the careful planning of the excursions by the Senior Geologists in charge that a coherent picture of the stratigraphical and tectonical conditions was obtained within the comparatively short time at disposal. This note contains a few remarks on the stratigraphy and tectonics of both areas in connection with oil prospects.

The Walloway Artesian Basin is approximately 160 miles north of Adelaide and is traversed by the main road from Adelaide to Maree via Orroroo and Hawker. The town of Orroroo lies on its western margin in the south-western corner of the Hundred of Walloway and the village of Johnburgh is situated in its northern part. The geophysical survey was carried out at the request of the Director of Mines for South Australia to assist his Department in the selection of sites for boring for artesian water and to delineate more precisely the limitations of the basin with regard to artesian flows. The gravity method was used as this method has proved successful elsewhere in determining the dimensions and form of sedimentary basins. This report gives an account of the survey and its results.

This report contains the results of a brief examination carried out from 1st to 7th October 1950 at Maranboy, Northern Territory, by the writer and Dr. J. Sleis, Geologist, who were assisted by the Inspector of Mines, Mr. W.A. McDonald. The purpose of this examination was to obtain the necessary data for a preliminary assessment of the tinfield based on the ore developed and won to date.

This report comprises descriptions of certain rocks collected by Dr. H.G. Raggatt in the Torquay - Airey's Inlet area, Victoria. The rocks are isolated specimens and no general conclusions applicable to the group as a whole have been drawn.

Seven samples were collected from the 16-mile Government bore, 16 miles west of Alice Springs, and forwarded for examination. This report gives a detailed description of these samples.

At the request of the Minister for Works and Housing, a geological survey of the Canberra Brickyards was commenced in October 1949, to determine present reserves of brick making materials. This interim report contains a description of the strata and structures exposed in the brick pits, and details of estimates of shale reserves. A full geological report will be prepared when the extended survey is complete.

The area investigated, now commonly known as the Daly River Area, is situated on the north-eastern bank of the river, about 35 miles from the river mouth, and approximately 80 miles south of Darwin. The present survey was made in July 1950, in conjunction with work being done by the Bureau at Rum Jungle, and was a general investigation for possible radioactivity in the district. Although no radioactivity of interest was detected, it is considered desirable that the results of the investigation should be recorded. The geology of the area, field work, and results are described in this report.