On behalf of the delegates I must thank you for your dedication to TC 18 over the passed 8 years.
Sir, you may have felt that in Rotterdam you were thrown into deep water. I think we would all agree you are now certainly a champion long distance swimmer in this sea of international standards, as well as the lifesaver when we the delegates find ourselves in deep water. From high voltage tension to low compatibility problems you have shown fairness, expertise and patience.
A major qualification of your position is to keep we the delegates on track with humour, tenacity and certainly with diplomacy. You have passed with the highest grades possible and made our TC 18 meetings an enjoyable and worthwhile experience.
In all things Mr.Chaimaan, all good things must come to an end. We are sorry to see you go. Your parting also marks the end of another era. For as long as I can remember in TC 18 our Chairmen have come from Lloyd's Register. I think the delegates would like you to convey our thanks to the management of Lloyd's Register for supporting this function.
However, with the millennium fast approaching we now look forward to Dr.Rebaudengo taking up this position. I have known Giovanni for many years and I know he will carry on the traditions you have embedded in TC 18's history.
Colin, in closing, on behalf of the delegates I would like to say Thank You in a truly international manner：
Mr.Clark then presented Mr.Porter with a gift of appreciation from the TC 18 delegates.
In responding Mr.Porter thanked all very much for the gift and for the support he had had at this meeting as well as in the past. He would always remember TC 18 and the enjoyable time working together.
He thanked the Norwegian Committee for the good cooperation and the services given by the Secretariat, and he praised in particular the Secretary, Mr.Lund, for his outstanding and efficient work.
Finally Mr.Porter thanked the US National Committee for organizing the meeting in Houston and providing for excellent facilities including IT-tools in support of a productive committee meeting.
22. Close of the meeting
The new Chairman of TC 18, Mr.Giovanni Rebaudengo, conducted the closure of the meeting. He said that he was the first Chairman of TC 18 not having English mother tongue, but that he would do his very best to chair the meetings. He thanked Mr.Porter as well as Mr.Lund and Mr.Coupy. In dosing the meeting he reminded the delegates that the next meeting of TC 18 would be in the year 2000.
