Results of a micropalaeontological examination of samples taken from the depth of 3 feet down to 534 feet.

The material submitted for examination came from 35 bores which were drilled in the Adelaide Plains during 1945 and 1946. For comparative purposes, material has also been examined from several bores previously drilled in the area. The bores were sunk for water and the area drilled extended from Bore No. 69 at Royal Park northwest of Adelaide, to Nathan Brewery Bore on the Torrens River. The bores range in depth from 160 to 620 feet. This report comprises descriptions of stratigraphic sequence, fossil fauna, and the structure of the Adelaide Basin, with reference to the material examined. Two accompanying plans are included.

Notes on a small collection of opalized shells, bone fragment and specimen of precious opal from White Cliffs.

Palaeontological note on a rock sample from a bore which was sunk a few feet into a mud island, west of Pelican Point, Lake Victoria, Gippsland.

An area of about 190 acres lying within the boundaries of Allotment 26D, Budgeree, County of Buln Buln was taken up for prospecting purposes on 21st May, 1947. The topography, general geology of the area, and the occurrence, volume and grade of the bauxite bodies, are discussed in this report. Three accompanying plans are included.

The question of a geophysical survey of the Copperhead mining property at Bullfinch was discussed and it was stated that there was need for a geophysical survey to determine the detailed structure of the jaspilite bodies over a small area concealed by tailings at the eastern end of the jaspilite zone. Following preliminary tests, a detailed survey was conducted in December, 1946. The geology, nature of the problem, and results of the survey are discussed in this report. Two accompanying plans are included.

The oldest rocks found in this area are Pre-Cambrian and the youngest are Recent but on the whole the area is one of great stability and not many of the periods of geological time are represented. The Pre-Cambrian are found outcropping round the edge of the basin and for simplicity in field work have been divided into five divisions. These are Tennant Creek, MacArthur R., Buldiva, Helen Springs, and Barkly Downs. This report provides a field summary of geology by division.

Foraminifera were first recognized in the Permian sediments of Australia in 1882. Some systematic work on these micro-fossils was done up to 1905, but there was no further investigation until. 1937, since when five papers on Permian foraminifera have been published. However, about ten years ago, systematic sampling of outcrops, cores and cuttings from bores was commenced with the object of determining whether micro-faunal zones could be established. Core samples and drill cuttings from these bores: and the various outcrops have been examined by the writer and a microfauna identified. Surface samples from localities in New South Wales were also submitted by the Geology Department, University of Sydney, for micro-examination. From the information presented in the following sections of this bulletin, it will be seen that, although a considerable amount of research is still necessary before a definite system of zoning, based on the microfaunas, can be applied to the Permian rocks of Australia, such a system is possible. In the extensive collections of Permian rocks examined from the Hunter River District of New South Wales, assemblages of foraminifera rather than restricted species have proved useful for zonal purposes, and it will be shown that correlation of deposits in other States can be made, by means of these assemblages.

Collie is the only developed coalfield in Western Australia. Between June 1946 and April 1947 a comprehensive geological and geophysical survey was carried out to determine the boundary of the basin, its general configuration and the depth (thickness) of the sediments overlying the basement. The aim of the survey was to define those areas where there was sufficient thickness of sediments to enable drilling to be carried out with a reasonable expectation of proving additional reserves of coal. The geology of the area, application of the gravity method, results and interpretations, and drilling recommendations are discussed in this report.

Results of a micropalaeontological examination of samples from a depth of 2 feet down to 1185 feet.