A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

On Wednesday morning proceedings opened with a most useful contribution from K. Sherwood, A.F.Inst.Pet., Senior Pump and Tank Engineer, Essa Petroleum Co. Ltd. on "The Installation of Underground Tanks". His talk on this subject illustrated the approach of the responsible practical man working from basic principles and when, in his very pleasant way, he questioned the need for some requirement, it was usually difficult to disagree with his point of view. He also unveiled some of the possibilities of the anticipated new Code of Practice. "Electrical Requirements at Petrol Filling Stations" by J. A. Sharp, A.l.E.E., Senior Assistant Engineer, Midlands Electricity Board, was another relaxed contribution from an obvious expert. He too crystal gazed into the possibilities of the new Home Office Code.

The final session was a pleasant introduction to "Self Service Petrol Retailing" by G. M. Steer, Merchandise Executive, Shell Mex and B.P. Limited, and M. T. R. Bowen, M.A., Marketing Executive, B.P. Trading Ltd., which was largely commercial in content.

The technical thunder on this topical subject had been stolen at an informal demonstration, the previous evening, by F. G. Ashley of Wayne Pumps Ltd., at which he was bombarded with questions about the Pound Note Accepter and Blender Pump which were on view.

Proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to all concerned by H. Beckingham, Chief Fire Officer of Warrington, and I am privileged to support, in print, all he had to say. All persons responsible for these courses, both from the Association and from Attingham Park, deserve the gratitude- of all who attend and, I am sure, get it.

As the Chairman of the Association for the current year I have been asked to contribute to The Bulletin and would firstly take the opportunity of thanking members for electing me to this office.

Since formation, the Association has made steady progress both in numerical strength, activities, and status. Membership of the Association is approaching the 500 mark. Branches have been formed in seven areas so far, East, West, and South-West Midlands, South Eastern counties, Tees-side, Yorkshire and Scotland. One of my first duties as Chairman was to represent the Association at the inaugural meeting of the Scottish Branch in April. Although our seven branches cover the majority of the country, large gaps appear in the West and South-West of England, Wales, and the North, and North-Western counties. May I appeal to members in those areas to collaborate with colleagues and form branches ? The Council of the Asssociation will give every possible help in branch formation, will bear the cost of inaugural meetings, and thereafter give the branch an annual capitation fee of 5/- a member.

It is often easier to form an organisation than it is to sustain and maintain it through the years. 1:h~s is aptly summed up in the quotation "it is not in the beginning, but in the continuing of the same un.tll it be thoroughly finished that Heth the true glory". The Association must ensure that the early enthusiasm and impetus is not lost; nothing less than a virile organisation with active and fully participating branches and members throughout the country together with proper representation at the highest level will suffice.

The Association is still growing, and in so doing gains strength and recognition. The National Council and Branch Secretaries act as clearing houses for day to day queries that arise in connection with members' duties. The Bulletin provides a forum for letters, controversial matters, articles and contributions from all sources; branch meetings are a means of exchanging information, knowledge, and experience, as well as providing a platform for speakers both from our own membership, from industry, government departments and elsewhere. The three-day residential schools held at Attingham each year are always oversubscribed and therefore well attended, proving the success of this venture and subscribing to the quality of the programme, lecturers and discussions.

To conclude, I would make brief reference to two topical subjects affecting all Petroleum Inspectors.

The revised Model Code is, I understand, now in draft form, and its early publication would be very much welcomed. Self-service petrol filling stations are very much under discussion; post payment attended stations are operating in many areas, but unattended self-service has yet to be generally accepted in this co_untry. There is, however, every indication that the pressure is mounting to secure official approval for this type of operation. I feel we must be constructive in our approach and must be careful not to be over, taken by events. The Association have these, and other matters, in mind and the Council will be consideringas a matter of urgency, the need to make available to members Model Conditions for self-service installations.

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