128 



strata are infallible signs o£ tlie existence of coal, and that the 

 occurrence of quartz and mica is a certain indication of 

 petroleum. 



In the absence of any detailed knowledge concerning the Jurassic 

 rocks around the south and west shores of Lake Eyre it would be 

 unwise to speculate on the probabilities of finding coal in them 

 or beneath them. It is possible that they have interstratifi- 

 cations of carbonaceous strata similar to those of the Cape 

 Paterson series in Victoria, and it is even possible (though 

 not probable, because of their known proximity to the Pre- 

 Silurian strata of the Peake Range and south and east of Lake 

 Eyre) that Carboniferous rocks may underlie them. 



I have thus narrowed down the limits within which search 

 for coal may be prosecuted with some possibility of a satis- 

 factory result, though there the outlook is of a very qualified 

 kind. With a geological map before you any one versed in the 

 application of the geological principles to the discovery of coal 

 will be able to arrive at safe conclusions as to the interpreta- 

 tion to be put upon any alleged discovery or indication. Thus 

 given the site of the occurrence of a true coal at Hog Bay, a 

 reference to the geological map will convince you that an 

 error of observation has been committed, as it is incompatible 

 that a coal seam should be interstratified among micaceous 

 schists. In this way it is easy for the geological surveyor to 

 dispel misconceptions which may be entertained in respect to 

 the presence of coal, and in a less degree of petroleum in 

 certain localities, and that without actual inspection. 



SEARCH FOE SUBTEIIRA:^EAX WATER-SUPPLY. 



The great importance to this colony of the feasibility of 

 obtaining water in regions destitute of j^ermanent surface 

 water may be judged from the fact that nearly three-fifths of 

 the whole extent of the province, apart fron the Northern 

 Territory, is thus unfavourably circumstanced. But unfortu- 

 nately successive Governments have neglected to bestow upon 

 the subject of water-supply to the development of the colony 

 the attention it deserves. It is pre-eminently a geological one, 

 inasmuch as the water-supply of any district is most intimately 

 connected with its geological features. To ensure trustworthy 

 information being obtained, it is essential to have the services 

 of officials possessed of the requisite knowledge for the purpose 

 of geological and hydrographical examinations, of conducting 

 experiments, and of collecting and systematising records of all 

 trials for water — whether successful or unsuccessful. The 

 bearing of such a record on future efforts is so obvious that 

 it would be superfluous in me to do more tliaii allude to it ; 

 suffice it to say that the Squatting Association of New South 



