Samples from 46 deposits of the known 76 occurrences of diatomite in Australia have been micropalaeontologically examined, and 27 genera of diatoms represented by 48 species have been identified from them. The distribution of these species in the various diatomites is given in Table II. The following tentative conclusions with regard to the suitability of Australian diatomites for filtration purposes are based on a study of the shapes and sizes of the contained diatoms,' in accordance with English and Californian experience. Extensive deposits of diatomite, which are dominated by the diatom Melosira and which are suitable for purposes other than filtration, are available in Queensland and New South W ales. Nevertheless, this type of diatomite is used successfully by Davis Gelatine (Australia) Ltd., as a filter medium. The commercial value of a diatomite as a filter aid, which depends on the amount necessary to give a perfectly clear filtrate, the speed of filtration, and the character of the press-cake and similar criteria, can only be satisfactorily determined by actual experiment. It is also necessary to establish a correlation between the characters determined by microscopic examination and actual filtration tests before a final conclusion can be stated.

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.

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.

The Blue Spec Mine, Nullagine, was visited from 20th to 24th September, 1947. An inspection was made of the mine. No. 3 level (depth 450 feet) was mapped and the antimony-gold occurrences on lease 196, and on the property known as "Blacks", were also briefly inspected. The present position regarding water supply was investigated and recommendations made. The ore reserves, workings, economic considerations, and water supply are discussed in this report.

Notes on samples of limestone collected from three caves on the Nullabor Plains, the Koonalda, the Abrakurrie, and the Weebubbie, and from the surface crust in the vicinity of the caves.

In accordance with instructions an inspection was made of the Blue Spec Mine, Nullagine, from 22nd to 27th October. A survey was made of development work since Mr. Sullivan's visit on 20th September. This entailed a survey of the 3 level drives off No. 2E. and No. 2W. winzes and the new cross-cut from the main shaft at No. 3 level. The new shaft and cross-cut on M.L. 266 were mapped and the lode was sampled and assay results obtained. The water supply problem was investigated and a site chosen for a new domestic supply bore. Three accompanying plans are included.

The Lakes Entrance Oil Shaft is situated in allotment 21, Parish of Colquhoun, about 2 miles north-east of Lakes Entrance township. The shaft was sunk with the object of developing, by means of low pressure mining methods, the oil-bearing beds known to exist in the lower portion of the Tertiary basin in the Lakes Entrance area. It is estimated that, during mining operations, approximately 12,000 tons of Tertiary sediments were excavated. Consequently a unique opportunity was afforded the palaeontologist and geologist to study the stratigraphic sequence of Tertiary beds in the Lakes Entrance area. During visits paid to the scene of operations, extensive collections of fossiliferous material were made by the author. This report comprises notes on the scope of the micro-palaeontological investigation, the stratigraphy and the palaeontology of the Lakes Entrance Oil Shaft.

For nearly nine months of the year the river proper is confined to a narrow channel two to three hundred feet wide. During the remainder of the year, however, the river is subject to periodical floodings resulting from heavy tropical rain on its water-shed and for periods of a week of more at a time the low level bridge is covered by flood water. The dislocation of rail traffic which results from these periodical floodings has been a matter of serious concern to the Queensland authorities for many years and a decision was made to construct a high level rail and road bridge to replace the existing structure. Construction was commenced, but before it proceeded far, it was considered desirable that the depth of the bedrock, previously examined, should be established without doubt. In view of the uncertainty of the depth to be drilled and the very considerable difficulty in drilling through alternating layers of drift sand and boulder wash, a request was made by the Co-ordinator General of Public works for Queensland for a geophysical investigation of the site. A survey was carried out by the geophysical section of the Commonwealth Bureau of Mineral Resources during August and September, 1947. The investigation of the results is far from complete but the seismic method gave such concise results that this preliminary statement is justified. Geology, geophysical methods, results, interpretation, and testing are discussed in this report.

Report on a preliminary micropalaeontological examination of the samples, submitted by the Frome - Broken Hill Co. Pty. Ltd., on November 3rd, 1947, from the Northern Flinders Range area. The examination was made with a view to giving assistance to the reconnaissance work now in progress.

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.