The Place of the Engineer in Post-War Planning and Reconstruction. Discussion Paper by Mr. Harry Jac

THROUGHOUT the ages waste has ever becn the consequence of war and the drain on the resources of a community-nay, a world-engaged in the present struggle, destruction of material has surpassed all expectation and the limit is not yet determinable. When, therefore, the guns at last are silent, and we turn again to rebuild shattered lives and devastated homes, and to take up the work of shaping better living, we must, if our depleted resources are to be employed to the best advantage, and satisfactory results obtained in the shortest possible time, co-ordinate all our efforts and control our activities to avoid waste. Waste of material, waste of time, waste of endeavour, all may, lacking wise direction, result as so often before in waste of opportunity. Therefore to determine the general principles, clear thinking and resolute far-sighted decisions influenced only by the magnitude of the task are essentials precedent to the smooth working of the reconstruction programme, and if we do not wish, to use Lord Reith’s compelling phrase, "to be caught by the peace,” the guiding principles should be enunciated now. C.A. Harding

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT is made, with thanks, to the Principal of the L.C.C. School of Building, Brixton, and to the Principal and Governors of the Northern Polytechnic, Holloway, for facilities generously granted for the carrying out of experimental work undertaken by members of the Panel.

This month's letters cover legislation for design checks, embodied carbon of modular construction approaches, and assessment of masonry buildings for earthquake resilience in New Zealand.