The evidence indicates that there is hope of oil being present at moderate depths, where 
structural features are favorable. Adopting the method used by some oil geologists in estimat- 
ing the value of such an area, I estimate that the chances of obtaining oil in this area are 
probably about 30 in 100, which means that the evidences are good enough to encourage 
further prospecting work. 1 suggest that an attempt should be made to geologically map 
this area in as great detail as possible, and that special attention be given to localities 
Avhere there is any indication of suitable structural conditions. Even if natural gas only 
be obtained, provided that it is in such quantities as were proved to exist in the No. 3 
bore at Roma, the exploitation of such gas should prove profitable, and would be likely to 
lead to the development of secondary industries in this part of Queensland. This certainly has 
been the case in parts of Texas and Louisiana. Natural gas fields at Amarillo, in the Panhandle 
of Texas, and at Monroe, in Louisiana, have proved profitable even though drilling has gone beyond 
the 3,000-ft. level. 
It should be evident, however, that the work which is necessary before the search for oil 
in Queensland can be put on a proper basis so as to entail the proper chances of success is not work 
for small companies with limited means. A Government might embark upon the task, but, in 
view of the large expenditure entailed and the likelihood of many disappointments, such work 
might lead to much political opposition, especially in case of failure. With initial success 
political questioning would not seriously arise. It is the sort of work which only a large 
corporation having ample reserves of capital specially earmarked for such a purpose could seriously 
undertake, and it may be possible to attract the attention of such companies. Any such attention 
should, in my opinion, be encouraged by the granting of large areas for prospecting and for 
subsequent development. The new mining regulations with regard to petroleum now operating 
in Queensland allow fairly generous terms both for prospecting and for exploitation. The areas 
granted under prospecting licences might, perhaps, be rather greater with advantage, but the 
areas granted under lease for exploitation should be satisfactory ; the number of leases so granted 
should not necessarily be limited to one, providing that the lessee shows energy and efficiency 
in carrying out the work of development. If success should attend the efforts of prospecting 
concerns the oil will still be in Australia, and the advantages derived from discoveries of payable 
quantities of oil will greatly benefit every industry in Australia, even though the discovering 
company may make considerable profits. It must be remembered that such companies face 
considerable losses in taking up this work and must be prepared to spend much money before 
success is obtained ; nor must it be forgotten that such success is not at all certain. The possibility 
of ultimately gaining considerable profits therefore is the only consideration which could encourage 
such concerns to undertake the task. 
The current rumour that large companies are interested in preventing oil from being 
discovered in Australia is based on a lack of understanding of the true position that the world 
is in with regard to oil to-day. We face a potential shortage. The life of the largest company 
is the life of its oil supplies which are being rapidly distributed and used, so that every company 
is more interested in locating new oilfields than in preventing them from being discovered. 
1 have found a tendency in some places to apply a saying that the •‘ Cousin Jack " miner 
used to apply to gold— “ Where it be there it be ! ” Such a philosophy is rather indicative of 
despair in the face of the difficulties which exist. Those who feel inclined to work on such a basis 
should be reminded of the rest of the saying — “ and where it be there baint I ! ” 
Many bores have been put down in this part of Queensland, and it is a pity that steps were 
not taken in the past to insist on the accurate keeping of logs and samples, and that copies of such 
logs and portions of such samples were not required to be sent to the Mines Department in Brisbane 
to be placed on record. The result is that much valuable information is lost to us which would 
have been of the greatest service in determining underground structures and tracing changes in 
the nature of the strata from place to place. Even accurate knowledge concerning the water 
horizons in these bores would have been of great use in the work that must be done in Queensland 
before success can be deserved or won. Some of this information has been preserved and has 
been used by the Geological Survey Department in the preparation of underground maps of the 
artesian basins, but it is by no means so complete as might have been possible. 
I sincerely hope that the work which 1 have indicated to be necessary will be embarked 
upon and a greater area will be methodically prospected than is the case at present, and that 
success will attend these efforts to find oil for Australia, 
