Opening Address

As I have had no part in the conception of this Conference, nor in its organization, my first impulse is to express the warmest appreciation of the thought and effort devoted to it. I am sure I am speaking for all those concerned with flood hydrology, design and control when I say that we are most grateful to the Chairman and members of the Organizing Committee. Our Chairman, Mr Phil Johnson, has repeatedly asked for the views of all members of the Institution on the topics to be dealt with at this Conference. At the three meetings the Organizing Committee arranged to hold in Belfast, Lancaster and London, we were asked about our needs, our experiences and our interests, and if we don't like what will be presented here, we have only ourselves to blame!