Australian synoptic wind data as produced by the Bureau of Meteorology. Dataset contains: Synoptic wind speed and direction data; plus additional supporting information.

Australian Daily Wind Data as produced by the Bureau of Meteorology. Dataset contains: Mean daily wind speed; Daily maximum wind gust; Daily wind run from instruments at a height below 3 metre; Daily wind run from instruments at a height above 3 metre; plus additional supporting information.

In connection with the use of airborne equipment for the detection of deposits of radio-active minerals, the Bureau has successfully used a DC.3 aircraft for the rapid coverage of large areas. It has been frequently suggested that a helicopter would have the following advantages over a conventional aircraft: (i) It can fly safely at lower heights and slower speeds than an ordinary aircraft, thus obtaining greater sensitivity from the detecting apparatus; (ii) It can be used effectively and safely in mountainous areas, in which low flying by a conventional aircraft would be impossible; (iii) It would enable the observer to locate exactly and identify from the air any small area on the ground showing radio-activity. In order to assess the performance of helicopters, a programme of test helicopter-mounted equipment over selected areas in New South Wales was carried out during March, 1953. The areas selected were: (i) Carcoar. This is a hilly area, but not timbered; (ii) Wunglebung, near Tenterfield. This is a mountainous, heavily timbered area; (iii) Broken Hill. This is a relatively flat featureless area; (iv) A test run was also made over Plen's deposit at Toongi, near Dubbo, in order to obtain and check on the sensitivity of the detecting instrument. The survey techniques used and the results obtained in the several areas are discussed in detail below.

In connection with the use of airborne equipment for the detection of deposits of radio-active minerals, the Bureau has successfully used a DC.3 aircraft for the rapid coverage of large areas. It has been frequently suggested that a helicopter would have the following advantages over a conventional aircraft: (i) It can fly safely at lower heights and slower speeds than an ordinary aircraft, thus obtaining greater sensitivity from the detecting apparatus; (ii) It can be used effectively and safely in mountainous areas, in which low flying by a conventional aircraft would be impossible; (iii) It would enable the observer to locate exactly and identify from the air any small area on the ground showing radio-activity. In order to assess the performance of helicopters, a programme of test helicopter-mounted equipment over selected areas in New South Wales was carried out during March, 1953. The areas selected were: (i) Carcoar. This is a hilly area, but not timbered; (ii) Wunglebung, near Tenterfield. This is a mountainous, heavily timbered area; (iii) Broken Hill. This is a relatively flat featureless area; (iv) A test run was also made over Plen's deposit at Toongi, near Dubbo, in order to obtain and check on the sensitivity of the detecting instrument. The survey techniques used and the results obtained in the several areas are discussed in detail below.

The Ritter, Sakar, Umboi, and Long Islands form part of an arc of volcanic islands situated west of New Britain. A brief inspection of this group was carried out by J.G. Best and the writer in August 1952 following a period spent in observation of abnormal conditions at Mount Langla Volcano on Western New Britain.

Australian hourly temperature, humidity and pressure data as produced by the Bureau of Meteorology. Dataset contains: Air Temperature; Dew Point Temperature; Wet Bulb Temperature; Relative Humidity; Mean Sea Level Pressure; Station Level Pressure; Saturated Vapour Pressure; plus additional supporting information.

A declinometer survey was made over a proposed compass-swinging base at the R.A.A.F. Airfield at Point Cook, Victoria in January, 1952, to determine its suitability. The results show that there are local magnetic disturbances which cause deviations in excess of the permissible maximum of one quarter of a degree. The site is therefore unsuitable.

This report is written as a result of observations made at Mansfield during an examination of the phosphate deposits in company with members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Rural Industries on the 20th March.

A declinometer survey was made over three sites at the R.A.A.F. Airfield at Laverton, Victoria, in January 1952, to determine their suitability as compass-swinging bases. The results show that at all three sites there are local magnetic disturbances which cause deviations in excess of the permissible maximum of one quarter of a degree. None of the sites is suitable.

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.