102 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF QUEENSLAND. 
(a) Trend-lines of New Guinea.—An examination of 
the map (fig. 1) reveals some striking features. The moun- 
tain ranges of New Guinea seem to be arranged in two 
definite series grouped around a central massif which 
combines the trend-lines of both. One series has a definite 
west-to-east trend and the other a definite north-west-to— 
south-east trend. The former would inelude the main 
divide commencing at the western end of the island and 
extending eastward to the central group and continued 
almost to the north-east coast. An extension of this range, 
or at least parallel to it, are the mountains of the Finis- 
terre group in the great peninsula and the voleanic range 
of New Britain. The general direction of the Sepik River 
lends support to the natural grouping of the mountains. 
The second series would include the main divide extending 
from the central group south-eastward to East Cape and 
continued in the Louisiade Islands. Parallel to this series 
are the north-east coast ranges extending from Dutch New 
Guinea to East Cape and the long group of voleanic islands 
fringing that coast-line. This arrangement of the moun- 
tains suggests two distinet trend-lines instead of one long 
arcuate ridge. The triangular arrangement of the central 
massive group is strongly suggestive of accommodation to 
two distinct movements. 
(b) New Britain a Subsidence Area—The voleanic 
islands fringing the north-east coast of New Guinea are 
undoubtedly the peaks of a considerable range of mountains 
now submerged. The general elevation of New Britain is 
much lower than that of either of the adjacent peninsula 
of New Guinea or of Southern New Ireland. The great 
crater of Johann Ahlbrecht, in the French group, is par- 
tially submerged, and has a depth of 2,400 ft. below the 
level of the ocean. The old Simpsonhaven crater at Rabaul 
is also partially submerged, and cannot represent its 
original elevation. Again, it is not probabie that the present 
ash-beds represent its whole history. The earler records 
have disappeared, presumably, beneath the ocean. Imme- 
diately to the south of New Britain is the Planet Deep. 
Soundings have indicated a widespread depth of upwards 
of 3,000 fathoms, with sinks of 4,000 fathoms deep and over. 
All this evidence and the general appearance of the land 
strongly suggested to the writer that New Britain is part 
