ON December 12, Mr. R. W. Foot gave the presidential address to the British Coal Utilisation Research Association, his last before the vesting date of the nationalization of the coal industry in Great Britain. This Association worked for eight years under the control of the Mining Association, which had contributed for maintenance during this period more than eight million pounds. The Mining Association had envisaged the development of a permanent institution, more particularly since the possibility of nationalization of the coal industry was recognized. In that event it was hoped that the National Coal Board would agree to take over the activities of the Association. In anticipation, and in order to prevent the slackening which might arise during a period of uncertainty as to the future, the Mining Association continued its financial support without reservation until the vesting day, January 1, 1947. The National Board has accepted the principle mentioned, and on that day stepped into the shoes of the Mining Association so far as the British Coal Utilisation Research Association is concerned, and was able to find the organisation in a state of full activity.