Samples from four cores from Cape Range No. 1 Test Well, Shothole Canyon, Exmouth Gulf were submitted for palaeontological examination, by West Australian Petroleum Pty. Ltd. Portion of each core was crushed, washed and examined for microfossils. Foraminifera of Lower Cetaceous age were found in all samples. Radiolaria, ostracoda and Inoceramus prisms were also present. A detailed list of microfossils recognised in each sample is given below.

The Flowery Gully Limestone Deposit, twenty miles north of Launceston, was surveyed in detail to delineate the most suitable portions for supplying limestone to the Australian Aluminium Production Commission's plant at Bell Bay, five miles to the north east across the Tamar Estuary. Basic requirements for the limestone were that it lie in an area suitable for quarrying and have as low a silica and magnesium carbonate content as possible so that it could be used efficiently in the aluminium extraction process. The preliminary reconnaissance revealed a stratigraphical chemical control and it was found possible to divide the section measuring 1,700 feet in true thickness into three stratigraphical zones, the topmost of which contains the purest limestone and is most suitable for Bell Bay; the middle zone contains isolated areas of high quality stone. The more detailed survey to reveal quarryable stone in these two zones defined one major and one minor deposit in the upper zone and one minor deposit in the middle. These three deposits contain indicated and inferred reserves totalling 1,000,000 tons; of this figure 100,000 tons has an average grade of 0.4% silica and 5.7% magnesium carbonate and the remainder has a grade not exceeding 0.5% silica and 4% magnesium carbonate. The investigation of the depositional environment revealed quiet and consistent conditions of deposition, which information was used to indicate possible areas for exploration for additional reserves when necessary. Numerous bedded chert nodules are present in the high-silica-content areas of the middle zone. The origin of the silica of this zone was investigated chemically and petrologically, but the results were inconclusive. It was discovered however that practically all silica was syngenetic. It is now mainly in the form of quartz grains and in smaller amounts as a component of the small percentage of clay present; however where chert nodules are present the silica of the cherts is in the form of chalcedony. Areas of marked dolomitization were noted, particularly in the upper and middle zones; they probably represent algal reefs (stromatoporoid bioherms). One of them had a lateral extent of at least 1,600 feet. A distinct disconformity was revealed by the detailed mapping at the top of the limestone section.

This report deals with the application of geophysical methods (other than radiometric) to the Coronation Hill Radioactive Deposit. Results of radiometric gridding of the surface and costeans, field sludge assays, and radiometric drill hole logging are not treated as these are included in entirety in R.B. Allen's report "The Coronation Hill Uranium Prospect," Bureau of Mineral Resources Record 1954/17. Structural indications from magnetic evidence are discussed. These comprise several faults, or zones of weakness, one of which may coincide with the axis of the surface radio-activity. Several interesting magnetic features for which no cause can be proposed are also noted. The highly uncertain nature of the deductions made is emphasised. The method of approach to geophysical applications at Coronation Hill is detailed, and recommendations are made for possible future work.

1952-3 was the third successive year of geophysical work at Macquarie Island. During the previous year Mr. W.H. Oldham was mainly concerned with the preparation of the establishment for future operation as an observatory. This record outlines how, as a consequence, 1952-53 was devoted to full-time technical proceedings in both geomagnetism and seismology. It does not present the results of the scientific observations in full. These will be presented in a further report, but it does give in tabulated form absolute magnetic values observed and seismic phases recorded.

Report on the activities of the administrative and technical sections in the Katherine-Darwin area, to June, 1954. A brief account is given of geological and geophysical operations. The results of prospecting and development work are summarised.

This report deals with the radioactive prospect known as the Burrundie Prospect and with the area surrounding the prospect. Mapping carried out in this area to date (June, 1954) has been of a reconnaissance nature only and the report and the accompanying plans are designed to assist future work of a more detailed character. Significant radioactivity in the Burrundie area was first discovered on 20th May, 1954, by a party engaged in regional mapping and including geologists B.P. Walpole and J.G. Best. Since that date further anomalies have been located in the area surrounding the initial discovery.

Report on the activities of the administrative and technical sections in the Katherine-Darwin area, to July, 1954. A brief account is given of geological and geophysical operations. The results of prospecting and development work are summarised.

The following report concerns the geology and mineralization of two uranium prospects in the Gimbat - Snake Creek Area of the Northern Territory. One of these prospects, referred to as Sleisbeck, can be recognised as one of the most favourable yet discovered in the Northern Territory. The radioactivity occurs in a quartzite breccia outcropping over a length of 1.5 miles and with a width of as much as several hundred feet. Geiger counter readings of 2 - 100 times background, occur frequently along the entire length of the outcrop, visible mineralization being present at three separate localities. The state of this mineralization, its associations and the geological settings are favourable to the possible occurrence of uranium mineralization at depth. Recommendations are made for further work, and problems in regional geology are discussed. The writer considers the sections of this report designated "Mineralization" and "Conclusions" to be the most important for a knowledge of the actual uranium occurrences. The remaining information is mainly geological, and, while highly pertinent, may not be of urgent interest to readers with a limited amount of time.

This report is an account of geological and geophysical investigations of the Burrundie Radioactive Prospect, which is located three and a half miles west-south-west of Burrundie Siding on the North Australian Railway.

A deposit of weathered graphic granite at White Rocks, 2 miles south of Queanbeyan, was investigated and the limits of material in it suitable for easily quarryable road metal were determined. The area was divided into two sections: a northern one held for the most part by the Queanbeyan Council, and a southern section at present held privately as a grazing lease. "Indicated" reserves, based on the present quarrying level, of 170,000 cub. yds were established in the northern section. Most of this material will be of the same quality as that being quarried at present; some of the material towards the southern boundary of the lease will however be harder and require more blasting. In the grazing leases "inferred reserves" of 140,000 cub. yds. were delineated. It is expected that this material will be quite suitable for road making but may be slightly inferior in sizing to the material at present being quarried; also it may require more blasting in some portions than the material being quarried at present; it will carry a higher average overburden than the Queanbeyan lease.