Journal Article

The author states that there is an urgent need for more research and/or co-ordination thereof in certain fields of engineering to assist rural and industrial development of the nation. He refers particularly to water engineering in which he includes most of the civil works associated with water supply, water power, irrigation and flood control. He suggests also the probability that there may exist a similar need for co-ordination of research in other fields of engineering.

After considering lessons learnt from history, the author describes some of the civil engineering problems which exist today both in Europe and in Australia. Particular reference is made to the urgent need for more research to overcome those problems not yet satisfactorily solved.

Then, after commenting on the existing research organisations and facilities in Australia, he suggests that the scope of research work undertaken by the C.S.I.R.O. and the Water Research Foundation of Australia might be enlarged. He suggests further that consideration should be given to the formation of an Advisory Engineering Research Board or Council to be comprised of leading scientists and engineers with the object of co-ordinating existing research and of initiating additional research in fields not already adequately covered.

By these means the author considers that Governments, industries and other organizations can be convinced that the nation's rate of development is dependent on research.