Analysts' Conference, April 1950 (continued)

I had the responsibility of arranging the program and coordinating the running of the conference. After the formal opening of the conference I reviewed the agenda and explained that as papers by the various authors had been circulated beforehand it was expected that presentations would be brief to allow as much time as possible for discussion. I also explained that time would be reserved in the last session of each day for consideration of recommendations for action by the Bureau.

It seems likely from Normie Warren's comments on the following day, and from his pencilled comments on the report, that he had some misgivings with the prospect of receiving recommendations for action. It was perhaps the anticipation of a similar outcome that influenced earlier Director (Commonwealth Meteorologist)s that it would not be wise to convene conferences of this type.

During the conference I had frequent consultations with J. C. Foley, advising him of suggestions I proposed to make during discussions. He agreed to a proposal to form a working committee to draft recommendations and asked me to convene and chair the committee.

Unfortunately the report of the conference does not include copies of the papers presented. It gives a list of those attending, a detailed account of discussions and the text of 26 recommendations. The conference recommended that the papers and proceedings be printed and circulated to all officers but this recommendation languished after Warren's untimely death.

All participants were enthusiastic about the outcome of the conference as they were able to make suggestions from the viewpoint of a service provider in a Divisional Office or a field office. The conference did much to promote improved communication between the widely scattered offices of the Bureau and this was reflected in a warm vote of appreciation by Keith Hannay, speaking for participants from Divisional and field offices.

Bureau of Meteorology