Notes

Abstract

The presidential address delivered by Mr. Charles Hawksley at the Institution of Civil Engineers on Tuesday was very comprehensive in its scope. Being the first inaugural address delivered at the Institution since the commencement of the new century, the opportunity was taken of giving a retrospect of advances made in the past century in the more prominent branches of civil engineering. At the commencement of the nineteenth century engineering works were comparatively few in number. Railways, steamships, electric telegraphs, telephones, the use of electricity for lighting and motive-power, were all unknown. Lighting by means of coal-gas had only just been introduced, and even the steam-engine was then in a primitive stage. Looking backward, and comparing the condition of things a hundred years ago with the present state, the changes which science and invention have brought about certainly appear remarkable. But it is advisable not to rest satisfied with a complacent view of the progress made. There is a prospect as well as a retrospect, and it is essential to push forward into the new fields of work before they are occupied by other nations. This is the lesson which must be impressed upon the minds of the British people, and used to give their political leaders a sense of responsibility for national welfare in the future. Engineers are not usually inclined to accept the view that action is necessary if we are not to be beaten in the industrial war which is now going on, but Mr. Hawksley acknowledges that “British engineers and manufacturers cannot hope to possess in the twentieth century that practical monopoly which they enjoyed during a considerable part of the nineteenth century.” The conditions have changed, and unless our engineers and manufacturers adapt themselves to the new environment they will be superseded by men of other nations more in touch with the times. Mr. Hawksley mentioned in his address the serious difficulties and disadvantages under which British manufacturers are placed by the lack in this country of acknowledged standards. A committee formed to consider the subject in June last decided unanimously that it was desirable to issue standard sections and standard specifications, and the Institution of Civil Engineers has taken the work in hand. Four committees dealing with different branches of industry have been formed and are now at work standardising the various sections used in engineering practice.