At the end of the 1949 field season A.A. Opik, accompanied by D.M. Traves, collected fossils and made stratigraphical observations in the area between the lower reaches of the Ord River and the Victoria River. This report gives a preliminary summary of the results of the journey.

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.

During the period 29th September to 2nd October 1950, the writer and geologist N. McKay, investigated the area near Wyndham, in which Mr. N. Orchard claims to have obtained a pitchblende sample in 1919. Following the examination of the area referred to by Mr. Orchard, an examination was made of a supposed radioactive deposit reported by Mr. E. Crocker of Wyndham. The observations made during these investigations are described in this report.

A visit of one month was paid by the writer to the North-West Basin and the Fitzroy area of the Desert Basin. It is largely due to the careful planning of the excursions by the Senior Geologists in charge that a coherent picture of the stratigraphical and tectonical conditions was obtained within the comparatively short time at disposal. This note contains a few remarks on the stratigraphy and tectonics of both areas in connection with oil prospects.

The Walloway Artesian Basin is approximately 160 miles north of Adelaide and is traversed by the main road from Adelaide to Maree via Orroroo and Hawker. The town of Orroroo lies on its western margin in the south-western corner of the Hundred of Walloway and the village of Johnburgh is situated in its northern part. The geophysical survey was carried out at the request of the Director of Mines for South Australia to assist his Department in the selection of sites for boring for artesian water and to delineate more precisely the limitations of the basin with regard to artesian flows. The gravity method was used as this method has proved successful elsewhere in determining the dimensions and form of sedimentary basins. This report gives an account of the survey and its results.

At the request of the Defence Supply Planning Branch of the Department of Supply an investigation of the Australian graphite industry was undertaken early in 1950. The particular aspects to be considered in this investigation were listed by the Planning Branch as follows: the specific defence significance of graphite and an estimate of peace and probable wartime demands, the experiences during World War II where applicable, the present and future supple position, alternative methods of ensuring that demands are met in an emergency, and the method recommended to meet demands in an emergency. This report should be considered an interim report containing recommendations for early consideration by the Planning Branch.

This report contains the results of a brief examination carried out from 1st to 7th October 1950 at Maranboy, Northern Territory, by the writer and Dr. J. Sleis, Geologist, who were assisted by the Inspector of Mines, Mr. W.A. McDonald. The purpose of this examination was to obtain the necessary data for a preliminary assessment of the tinfield based on the ore developed and won to date.

The request for a geophysical survey was made by Renison Associated Tin Mines N.L. through the Director of the Tasmanian Mines Department. The purpose of the survey was to explore for additional ore-bodies within an area of interest, occupying approximately 9.5 square miles. The present work was confined to an area near the Renison Bell main lode and situated on the northern slope of the Renison Bell Hill. Its purpose was to test the magnetic and self-potential methods over known ore-bodies and to apply these methods in the search for further bodies in the immediate vicinity.

A micropalaeontological examination was conducted on core samples from bores at Collie. The results, which comprise detailed descriptions of the samples, are recorded in this report.

During May, 1950, a sample of granitic material was obtained from a dump on the Sunnyside goldfield, and showing a few flakes of a green mineral similar in appearance to torbernite, was forwarded to the Department of Mines, Melbourne, by a miner working on that field. The Mines department tested the mineral and proved that it was uranium-bearing, and submitted a sample to the Bureau to test for radioactivity. After confirmation of the presence of radioactivity in the sample by laboratory tests, a brief visit was paid to the field by a party from the Geophysical Section. One day was spent for conducting tests on the field. The opportunity was taken of visiting the Maude and Yellow Girl mine, and testing ores and concentrates for radioactivity.