The committee list update continues at a snail's pace. It should be completed by May and will be sent to each of the members on the list. We doubt that we will be successful in having it made part of the MLA webpage, but will continue that effort as well. Apparently, the thinking is that a committee membership list might be considered representation by MLA of expertise in the field. We are of the opinion that a disclaimer should be effective to dispel that thinking.

In our continuing effort to encourage attendance at the Fall meeting which is not usually as well attended as our Spring meetings, we had a speech by Harry Higham which was well received. It will be appreciated if members have suggestions of speakers and subjects which might increase our Fall attendance, that they let F.E. Billings know.

Once again, the Longshore Subcommittee discussion was lively and informative. In the absence of both the subcommittee chairman and vice chairman, the discussion was led by John Chamberlain.

We received a request from a committee member for an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court. In a deft sleight of hand, it was determined that the real interest of the MLA in the matter was uniformity and so the matter was referred to the Uniformity Committee where an amicus brief was filed in support of the application for writ. It is going to be the chairman's suggestion that a list of committee members anxious or at least willing to take part in amicus activities in Stevedoring and Terminal Operations areas be comprised so that we can have a ready tool for future activity. This will be taken up in our Spring meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Frank E. Billings, Chair