Annual Report of the Geological Commission (Volume 11-13) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1897. Excerpt: ... 1895. In due course the Field Geologist advertised for was selected and appointed, the Commission being greatly indebted to Professor James Qeikie for the trouble which he took to secure a thoroughly capable and experience man. In agreement with the decision to publish a bibliography of the Geology of the Colony, it was also decided about the same time to make a record of all Geological Sections which had been prepared by various writers up to the time of the appointment of the Commission, and steps will in time be taken to have such sections indicated on a published sketch map. Preparatory to deciding on the exact lines of field work to be first undertaken, it was thought desirable that Professor Corstorphine should make a tour by Laingsburg, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Graaif-Reinet and Port Elizabeth. One result of this was that on the arrival of Mr. A, W. Rogers, the Assistant Geologist above referred to, instructions were given him as to the districts which he was first to map. From that date, with the exception of short intervals at head-quarters, Mr. Rogers has been steadily engaged in this way, his labour carrying him over a large area fully specified in the Geologist's report. Another result was a decision as to the course to be adopted on the economic question of the coal of the AVestern Province. It was resolved that the best course was to make an examination of the northern portion of the sandstone and shales near Beaufort West, and to trace the relation of these to what appeared to be a southern continuation of the same. With this object in view, the temporary services of Mr. E. H. L. Schwarz were secured in the month of March. His report on the subject will be found among the papers annexed. At a later date Mr. Schwarz was definitely appointed seco...