Abstract
THE Society of Glass Technology held an important meeting at the Institute of Chemistry on May 15, when the president, Mr. Frank Wood, in opening a discussion on “The Glass Industry after the War,” advocated the formation of trade councils for the organisation of the various sections. He proposed that a federation should be formed, controlled by a council consisting of sectional representatives, both manufacturers and men, together with representatives of science, the Government, and finance. The matter should be taken in hand immediately, and every effort made to secure workmen and machinery to enable the country to supply all its requirements, instead of about 20 per cent, in pre-war days. To do this, Government assistance is necessary. Without protection, in some sections and prohibition in others, there would be a deluge of foreign glass just when their furnaces and shops ought to be undergoing repair and when time would be required for the training of workers. They should be ready for the future, and the Optical Munitions and Glassware Supply Department of the Ministry of Munitions, to which they were so much indebted, should continue in being to help them. Mr. Connolly voiced the need for a dump-proof Empire in order that a fair chance might be given to home production. Sir Frank Heath dealt with the necessity for bringing science to bear on the matter, assuring the meeting of the desire of the Government to assist research through industrial organisations. The conditions under which grants are made are not onerous, arid the researches are conducted free from meticulous interference from headquarters. Mr. Douglas Baird referred to the production of chemical ware, which will not be able to stand on its feet for some time without the aid of “foster-parents.” Sir Herbert Jackson spoke hopefully of the general outlook. National prestige must supply the stimulus for pulling together after the war. Their representatives should be brought into collaboration with Government representatives to deal with the problems before them. Mr. Biram, of the Ministry of Munitions, ackngwledged the great help of the manufacturers in the production of war material; the future would call for all their energy and enterprise. Dr. Rosenhain appealed for the fullest utilisation of scientific results and the interchange of knowledge and experience. Mr. S. N. Jenkinson said that the industry must make itself efficient if it is to be supported by the Government. Many other members joined in the discussion, and it was agreed that a resolution on the policy of the society should be circularised among the members for consideration before the next meeting, which is to be held in Sheffield on June 19. Before the meeting the members enjoyed a visit to Messrs. Ediswan, Ltd., at Ponders End.
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Organisation of Glass Industries . Nature 101, 277–278 (1918). https://doi.org/10.1038/101277b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/101277b0