Claiming to be one of the increasing number of members concerned with differing philosophies, standards, and practices, I single out safety of buildings, sturdiness of construction, and design freedom, for consideration. I relate all three to the public duty role which falls on the shoulders of the profession, i.e. to protect and look after the interests of the public in matters relating to structural engineering and, at the same time, those of the profession insofar as they affect those duties. My particular concern is that those three are now being adversely affected by the differing standards, etc., and that remedial measures are needed to arrest the tendency
towards decline. I encourage the Institution to set up a review committee and, if necessary, to formulate a purposeful policy to encourage members to exert the maximum influence, whenever and wherever possible, in all matters relating to our structural guardian duties to the public.
S.T. Lawrence