To the Editor

I was privileged to receive a copy of the 50^th issue by post this morning.

As a recipient of the first, and successive, issues I join in complimenting the South East Branch and the founding, and subsequent, editors upon their initiative, diligence and tenacity, in publishing such an interesting and informative series of newsletters.

Each issue makes compelling reading and provokes much thought and, sometimes, comment.

The recent introduction of photographs of contributors is particularly helpful as they remind one of friends and colleagues of years gone by. It was especially gratifying to have the President’s photograph as Tony was a Vice-President when I was Chairman of the Institute but had to withdraw from office for (then) personal and business reasons in 1988.

One note of sadness was the passing of Norman Royce, who was such a distinguished arbitrator – probably next only to the late J R W Alexander (the doyen of all arbitrators). Norman Royce was outstanding for his friendly greeting on every occasion that we met. He was also generous in his hospitality, including the provision of gin and tonics, whisky and water in his office in Gray’s Inn during regular meetings of the Arbitration Committee! Such an able and distinguished gentleman and arbitrator will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know him and to learn from him about the practice of arbitration.

I am now a member of the Australian Branch but, as most meetings are in Sydney, I miss the opportunity to meet and to discuss arbitral matters with friends and colleagues, such as at meetings of the South East Branch.

Kindly accept and convey my thanks for the 50^th issue to the Chairman, Committee and members of the Branch. Please also accept my compliments and thanks to yourself and former editors.

Yours sincerely,

Geoffrey King CEng MICE LLM FCIArb Barrister