LOCAL BRANCH IS TWENTY-ONE

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30389, 13 March 1964, Page 9

LOCAL BRANCH IS TWENTY-ONE

The twenty-eighth annual confererice of the New Zealand Institute of Electricians which is at present being held in Christchurch will celebrate the 21st anniversary of the founding of the Canterbury branch of the institute.

The formation of the local branch was indirectly connected with the annual leave of Mr R. Nairns, an enthusiastic member of the institute council. In October 1943, he arrived in Christchurch to spend his annual leave and lost no time in looking up old friends. He mentioned the advantages of institute membership to Mr C. B. Phillips, then sales engineer with the Municipal Electricity Department, who showed more than a casual interest in the idea. As a result of these early discussions, a general meeting of electricians was held on October 13 which was attended by 103 members of the trade. The meeting decided to form an association on the motion of Mr G. H. Battersby, who was assistant engineer to the M.DD. at that time. The final meeting of the branch was held on November 9 when Mr E. T. Salve-

sen was elected president. Mr Phillips was elected secretary, Mr T. H. Mitchell vice-president, and treasurer, Mr W. G. Rawlance. From a handful of members 21 years ago, the branch has grown, and today has a membership of 270. Objects of the institute include the advancement of the science and knowledge of electrical engineering, and to uphold the just claims of members. The following members have been presidents of the Canterbury branch:—Messrs R. H. Stewart, Phillips, J. Nelson Okey, C. J. Suckling, T. H. Mitchell, N. S. Street, S, C. Winterburn, W. A. Dew, A., M. Cardwell, R. H. Hand, S. M. Street, P. R. Isles, and J. H. Box (the present president) . The branch’s treasurer, Mr J. Forbes, has held the position for 13 years. The secretary, Mr D. Rich, is also secretary for the conference.