No abstract available

The material described in this report was collected and forwarded for examination by Mr. M.R. Banks of the Geology Department, University of Tasmania. The report comprises notes on the lithology, fossil content, state of preservation, and correlation, of the samples.

Towards the end of 1950, the deep bore which the Shell Development Company was drilling to test for oil on the Morella structure, 35 miles south of Rolleston, entered andesite at approximately 4000 ft. After boring about 200 ft into the andesite, the Company decided to abandon the hole. A new site for a test bore was selected on the Comet anticlinal structure, 60 miles north of Rolleston. Before proceeding with this new test, evidence was needed to ensure that neither a shallow basement nor volcanic rocks existed under this structure. The Bureau was therefore asked to shoot a refraction traverse over the anticline, in order to determine if basement rocks were likely to be present at a shallow depth. As a result the Bureau sent a seismic party to the area during January 1951. Fairly definite evidence was obtained of basement velocities occurring at a depth of less than 3000 ft, and after discussions, a decision was made not to proceed with the drilling of the Comet structure. The results have now been investigated in detail and are presented in this report.

The presence of bauxite on one of the Wessel Islands was established in 1949 when specimens of laterite collected from various parts of the Arnhem Land coast were analysed. In October, 1951, the writer spent two days on Marchinbar Island and examined several small laterite residuals and part of one large deposit. The characteristics and distribution of the laterite are discussed in this report.

These notes are compiled as a result of conversations with Government officials and mining engineers in Noumea on 4-6th July, 1951. Figures are given for the production, reserves, and exports of Nickel, Chromite, Manganese, Cobalt, Iron, and other miscellaneous minerals. Most of the figures quoted herein have been compiled from records collected by the Australian Consul.

The samples from Margaret Bay were collected by H.B. Owen during a recent visit to the northern coast of Australia. The collection was made with the hope that microfossils may be found in the rocks which were collected from a twenty foot section exposed at Margaret Bay. The results of the micropalaeontological examination are discussed herein.

This report has been prepared at the request of Engineers of the Department of Works and Housing. The writer spent a day with Mr. Crotty examining the site, and another day alone studying general geological conditions relevant to the proposed scheme. The visit and its findings are outlined in this report.

A number of fossils were sent in for examination by the Director of Mines, Tasmania. The results of the examination are recorded in this report. Two different horizons are represented.

As a result of abnormal rains in 1950, a considerable body of water has been impounded in Lake George, situated in New South Wales, but only 20 miles north of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Local reports claim a depth of water of 30 feet in the Lake and these reports have prompted the Advisory Council of the Australian Capital Territory to investigate the possibility of developing the lake as a recreational resort. As a first step in this investigation the Council has asked the Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics for an opinion as to how long a considerable body of water may be retained in the lake.

The object of my trip to the United States of America was to discuss problems of micropalaeontology with various authorities in that country, to visit the palaeontological laboratories of the United States Geological Survey and National Museum, State Universities, Museums and laboratories of oil companies and to enquire into the latest techniques used in oil-field laboratories. I was also to attend the joint Annual Convention of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Society of Economic Palaeontologists and Mineralogists and Society of Exploratory Geophysicists at St. Louis. This report gives an account of the institutions visited by the author and the principal results of the visit.