REAL ESTATE AGENT

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 179, 30 July 1926, Page 12

REAL ESTATE AGENT

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION. WORK OF FAST YEAR. ! BUSINESS AND PLEASURE COMBINED. Business was combined with pleasure at the iourteenth annual reunion of the Land and Estate Agents and Land Auctioneers' Association of Auckland last evening. The meeting was of greater importance than formerly on account of the annual conference of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand, recently held in Hamilton. Prior to the annual meeting of the Auckland association, a dinner was held in the Mecca Cafe, subsequent to which members adjourned to the Society of Arts building, where the annual meeting and smoke concert took place. Out of a total membership of 133 town and 18 country members tully 100 attended both functions. Mr. Albert W. Clark, president for 1925-26, occupied the chair till the president-elect, Mr. P. J. Crump took office. Amongst the guests were Mr. E. C- Cutten, senior magistrate at Auckland, Mr. D. R. C. Mowbray, representing the Auckland Law Society, Mr. F. W. Heslop, president of the Canterbury Land Agents' Association, Mr. C. L. Jones, vice-president of that body, as well as several others representing business and professional interests in Auckland. Report of the Executive. After dealing with the membership for past years and giving a list of past presidents and vice-presidents from the inception of the association in 1912-13, the report stated that during the year just closed 12 new members' had been enrolled. There was a surplus of £87, which had brought the accumulated fund up to £2508 10/8. Of that amount it was recommended that £50 should be transferred to the Benevolence Fund This fund, together with an addition of £50, brought the capital account up to £407. Regarding licenses, it was stated that careful inquiry continued to b& made as to the suitability of applicants. While in most cases these inquiries had resulted satisfactorily, several adverse reports had been received, and, as a consequence of the representations of the association, particular applications had either been withdrawn or refused. Every effort had been made to have all reported cases of the Act thoroughly investigated, and when thought necessary police assistance had been obtained. As a result of this activity the unlicensed . agent was gradually being eliminated.' When the Prime Minister was in Auckland a deputation waited upon him, pointing out that the continuance of the Rent Restriction' Act was a grave in-' justice to many property owners and operated as a deterrent to building houses for renting purposes. The Prime ! Minister had promised that the'.repre-,' sentations of the executive would receive' careful consideration by Cabinet. Several j members had joined the Guarantee Company, which , issues fidelity bonds as required by the Land Agents Act. The I assets of this company totalled £1490. The past year had been an exceedingly ! trying one from a land agent's point of view. Business had been by no means brisk, but the outlook was better, and the agent who "carries the banner of . optimism, energy and judgment" would prosper and continue to be an asset to the community. !, Discussions and Elections. The retiring president (Mr. A. W. Clark), in moving the adoption of the report, said although the year had been quiet, still it had been a progressive one and members had evidently appreciated efforts made on their behalf. The •association's finances were in a particularly sound position and much valuable work was being accomplished as far as licenses were concerned. Only those who were fit and proper persons received them. Referring to the Real , Estate Institute of New Zealand conference, the speaker paid a high tribute to the work done at the annual meeting in Hamilton. He characterised it as being the finest in the history of the Institute in the* Dominion. This year, for the first time on record, initial examinations would be held, and already there were 96 entrants, 26 of whom were from Wanganui. He appealed to all members of the association to sit for the examinations, as by so doing it would be an incentive to the younger men who were coming on. After referring to other matters, Mr. Clark mentioned that in the South Island a uniform tariff had been agreed upon and endeavours should be made to have a similar understanding throughout the North Island. /This, he contended, would mean that a uniform tariff would operate in the Dominion. Before concluding, the retiring president wished to express his 'personal appreciation . for the able • manner in which the executive had carried out their duties, and especially the secretary, Mr. W. J. A. Thomson. (Applause). He felt sure that the executive would accord the new president the same help and consideration which had been given to him. . : Mr. T. Mclndoe seconded the motion, ; which was carried unanimously. ! The newly elected president, Mr. P. J. Crump, on taking the chair, was greeted with applause. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Vice-presidents, Messrs. H. E. Vaile and N. Somerfield; executive committee, Messrs. H. K. Clayton, S. C. Colmore-Williams, H. G. G.; Ernest (country representative), A. ■F. Frater, H. Hadfield, H. L. C. Mowbray, J. H. Jackson, W. J. Porter, A. W. Clark and T. Mclndoe. Three members were elected to the Board of Benevolence as follows Messrs. H. E. Vaile, H. K. Clayton and G. B. Osmond. Mr. Clayton was appointed the association's representative on the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. On the motion of Mr. Osborne a hearty vote of thanks was carried to the retiring officers and particularly the past president, Mr. A. W. Clark. Later in the evening a toast list was honoured and a programme of musical and other items rendered. The president proposed the. toast of "The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand," to which Mr Heslop (Christchurch) replied. "The Bench and Bjir" was proposed by Mr. Clark and responded to by Mr E C Cutten, S.M., and Mr. D. R. C. Mo'wbray"Our Guests," Mr. T. Mclndoe, response Messrs. Jones and Blomfield; "Retiring Officers," Mr. C. P. Bennett; "The Press," Mr. Clayton. Songs were sung by Messrs. Snell, Dellore and Brough, and Mr. Yates gave some humorous items.