Samples of a black oily material which had appeared on the Port Noarlunga Beach were collected by the Deputy Director of Mines and submitted for examination so that any characteristics which might enable it source to be recognised could be determined. The material was objectionable in that it was contaminating the bathing beaches and affecting beach amenities. It had been suggested that the material could have emanated from the oil refinery at Port Stanvac. The sample consisted of a black viscous semi-solid, in part mixed with sand, occurring in pellets of various sizes. The black material was completely soluble in benzone and had all the properties of a mineral oil residual.