PROCEEDINGS OP SECTION C. 201 



creek near some mud volcanoes. On my second expedition I was 

 extremely fortunate in discovering many seepages of oil in a 

 snaall creek, about a certain series of mud volcanoes and gas vents, 

 near a village called Aro-Aro, on 7th November, 1912. 



Besides these occurrences near the coast, there are other indica- 

 tions of the existence of mineral oil in other parts of the Division. 



All, however, have been carefully noted, and their positions 

 approximately fixed. 



Throughout my investigations I have endeavoured to take as many 

 dips and strikes as exposures of rock would permit. A geological 

 sketch map has been prepared, together with a few sections and 

 photographs. 



Physiogra'phy. 



Generally speaking, the area examined consists of low-lying 

 slightly undulating country, with intermediate flat and swampy 

 portions. Near the coast and for a few miles inland, the sago and 

 mangrove swamps prevail, with the exception of a small range of hills 

 south-east of Kerema, 650 feet above sea-level, which extends for a 

 short distance easterly from Lorabada along the coast ; and the Bluff, 

 situated about 9 miles west of Kerema, on the extreme southerly 

 portion of the Ei Hills. At Haru village, Aumana Point, there is also 

 a small outcrop of grit, which is seen at low tide. Other than these, 

 I know of no other outcrops on the coast, the remaining area being 

 practically all flat and swampy country. 



Leaving Kerema, and proceeding towards the source of the 

 Matupe or Siria Rivers, flat, swampy mangrove and sago country, for 

 about 7 and 12 miles respectively, is met with. Standing on the 

 Cupola Hill, a splendid view is obtained of this valley, with the Lalaua, 

 Matupe, and Murua Rivers on the one hand, and the Siria and minor 

 rivers on the other,, meandering through it. This swampy valley is 

 cut off by the Ei Hills to the west, but extends for a long distance 

 along the coast easterly to and beyond the Tauri and Lakekamu 

 Rivers. 



The hilly country commences immediately south of, and in close 

 proximity to. Mount Namo, and can be seen extending north-easterly in 

 the form of a series of moimtain chains, varying in height from 200 feet 

 to 6,000 feet or more, from the coast to the main axis in the Albert 

 Mountains respectively. 



From the Bluff to the Vailala River, and for some distance up the 

 latter, the country is one large swamp, through which Keura and 

 Kea-Kea Creeks flow, the former taking its source in the western slopes 

 of the Ei Hills, about 4 to 5 miles inland, and the latter in the 

 undulating country to the north, about 5 miles, near Haha village. 



