May I now be pemitted to invite your attention for a moment to wider issues. The year 1931 has been ushered in with fear foreboding. The world is filled with unrest. The social and industrial edifice displays ominous cracks and calls for extensive repairs, if not for reconstruction. Poverty and destitution stalk unabashed through the land.
Machines display man in ever-increasing numbers and proportions.
Floods of rhetoric envelop us. Man whose sincerity fails to conceal their lack of common sense and practical knowledge run hither and whither playing on the emotions of the unreflecting crowd. Abundant but conflicting counsels emanate from statesman, economiste and captains of industry. The indespensable equipment for the pursuit is hard, honest, consistent, resouceful thinking. My best wishes attend the efforts of all those who are engaged in furthering our University's work and welfare.