It was requested that the Branch examine the Naronga site with a view to determining whether it was suitable from a geological point of view for the construction of a flood control dam. The area was visited and mapped in March, 1946. The topography, geology, possible site and capacity of a retaining wall are discussed in this report. Three plates showing the area and sections accompany this report.

The principal alternative sites for an administrative centre which have been considered or suggested are discussed from the points of view with which a geologist and vulcanologist is primarily concerned - namely vulnerability to volcanic action, earthquakes, and tidal waves, foundations, water supply and accessibility of material suitable for road resurfacing, aggregate, etc. The areas considered are Rabaul, Nonga-Tavui, Keravat-Kabaira, Vunakanau-Taliligap, and Koko-Rapopo.

This report concerns a geological reconnaissance made of a portion of the Kosciusko area and the preliminary geological plan compiled from air photographs and field observations. General geology, engineering geology, water problems, and proposed works for the hydro-electric scheme are discussed in the report. Three geological plans are included.

In response to the proposal for a new administrative building to be erected, 1/4 mile east of Parliament House, nine test pits were put down by the Department of the Interior for the purpose of examining the sub-surface conditions. Four of the pits were used for engineering tests of the bearing power of the rock foundations. The geology of the site is discussed in this report.

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.

The first geological reconnaissance of the proposed diversion of the Snowy River to the Murray Valley was undertaken in late 1946. This work was followed by more detailed work in the summer of 1947-8 when field parties carried out a reconnaissance of a strip of country covering the approximate route which the main tunnel is expected to follow. Part I of this report deals briefly with the geological work accomplished during the two field seasons and provides a summary of the engineering geology of the main and subsidiary tunnel lines. Parts II and III consist of the geological reports by the leaders of the two field parties. Part II covers the survey area from Waste Point to the Geehi River. Part III covers the survey area from the Geehi River to Khancoban. Accompanying plans are 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.

An examination was made of a proposed dam site at Geehi in April, 1947. The report comprises notes on access, general geology, evidence gathered from aerial photography, and the suitability of the site. Three accompanying plans, and a petrographic report on rocks collected from the vicinity, are appended to this report.

The Commonwealth Flax Production Committee conducts a flax mill at Ballarat. The flax is first treated with water and 25,000 gallons per day are used in the process. After the treatment, the water is allowed to run to waste, and is at present being conducted through an earthen drain to natural drainage channels. This disposal of effluent water is not approved by the Ballarat Council, and other means of disposal have to be found. The objective of the present investigation was to determine if another borehole could be suitably sited to dispose of the effluent. The geology of the area, possibilities of disposal, and recommendations are discussed in this report. Two accompanying plates are included.

In August, 1947 the Bureau was requested by the Clifton Brick and Tile Company to carry out vibration tests on that Company's brick pit at Preston, Victoria. Tests were carried out at the brick pit on December 17th, 1947 and February 2nd, 1948 by officers of the Bureau. Six charges of explosives were detonated at different points in the brick pit and the amplitude of the ground movement was recorded. Additional records were made of ground movement due to other causes, such as vehicular traffic on a public road-way adjacent to the brick pit. It is the purpose of this report to summarise the results of the tests by tabulating the vertical ground movement recorded and to compare one with another, the amplitude due to different causes.