PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION C. 206 



A careful detailed geological survey is being urged by the author 

 prior to the sinking of any bores. It is particularly important that the 

 crests of all the anticlines in the petroleum area be carefully surveyed 

 and fixed, so that the geologist in charge can fix sites for bores based 

 on systematic lines, and thus save expense in haphazard boring. 



The Commonwealth Government have undertaken the responsi- 

 bility of developing the field, and it is hoped that within the next twelve 

 months there will be sufficient proof to permit a scheme of extensive 

 and systematic boring for that useful commodity — mineral oil. 



Character and Composition of the Petroleum. 



The oil collected is a dark-brown viscous liquid, exhibiting a green 

 fluorescence by reflected light, and a brownish-yellow colour when 

 viewed by transmitted light, and possesses a not unpleasant ethereal 

 odour. 



The sample collected was fairly pure, but could not be freed 

 completely from water. 



A report on the analyses of a sample of oil collected by Mr. J. E. 

 Came, F.G.S., has been forwarded to the Department by Mr. J. C. H. 

 Mingaye, of the Geological Survey Department, New South Wales, the 

 results of which have been included in this Report. The oil is apparently 

 rich in lubricating oils, and contains about one-fifth burning oils. 

 The results are as follows : — • 



Sp. gr. 

 Petroleum spirit below 150° C. . . Nil 



Burning oils distilled below 300° C. .. 20-8 .. 0-9283 

 Intermediate and lubricating oils with 



solid hydro-carbons . . . . 74 " 2 . . " 9733 



Coke .. .. .. ..5-0 



1000 



Specific gravity of the crude oil . . . . " 9744 



General Conclusions. 



The main geological trend line of New Guinea runs approximately 

 east-south-east and west -north-west into Dutch New Guinea in the 

 Charles Louis Mountains (16,000 feet), where the main axis trends east 

 and west. 



On the Island of Ceram and the Celebes there are mountains 

 8,000 feet and 9,000 feet above sea-level, which are probably a continu- 

 ation of the main range or fragments of that which passes through New 

 Guinea, and being probably connected with Borneo, Java, Sumatra, 



