ACCOUNTANTS’ SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 21219, 28 September 1932, Page 2

ACCOUNTANTS’ SOCIETY

OTAGO BRANCH'S ANNUAL MEETING The Otago Branch of the New Zealand Society of Accountants held its annual meeting last night at the University Club, Mr W. 11. Brown presiding over a good attendance of members. The Chairman presented the following report: It is with the greatest regret that We record the deaths of six of our members—namely, Messrs H. 11. Spence, A. T. Blyth, A. W. M. Moody, G. R. Cheeseman, E. Price, and J. S. Park. The sympathy of members is extended to the respective relatives. Records at head office show that at November 30 last there were 209 members in this district. Admissions during the past year have brought our numbers up to 223; this is the highest figure for many years. As a result of the encouraging attendances at functions last year, the committee arranged a winter syllabus of three luncheon addresses and two evening lectures, all of which were well attended. The syllabus was as follows:—Luncheon: Professor G. E. Thompson, D. Litt.; lecture, Mr F. B. Aburu; luncheon, Mr J. T. Paul; lecture, Professor A. G. B. Fisher, Ph.D.; luncheon, Mr W. B. M'Ewan, The lecture by Mr F. B. Aburn, our local Income Tax Inspector, was probably the best attended meeting this branch has had for some years. In addition to local members, other leading business and professional men were present, and took part in the very interesting discussion. The other lecture, by Dr Fisher, though not so largely attended, was also most instructive, and created active discussion on ninny of the pre-sent-day problems. The committee desires to record its warm appreciation of the speakers’ services to the branch. The committee wishes to extend its heartiest congratulations to Mr G. W. Reid on his appointment to the personnel of the New Zealand Railways Management Board, and also of the New Zealand delegation to the Ottawa Conference. The selection of Mr Reid to both these bodies is not only gratifying to himself, but is a compliment to our profession as a whole and to this branch in particular. As announced in the ‘ Journal,’ Mr J. L. Griffin, of Wellington, was appointed to the Economy Board created by the Government. A letter of congratulation was sent forward to Mr Griffin during the past year, and suitably acknowledged by him. A number of new works have been added during the past year to tho library, and it is pleasing to note that increasing use is being made of the library by'members and students. Since the last annual meeting, 110 books have been borrowed from the library by members and bona fide students. In addition, the books are used for reference in the secretary’s office. These figures must be regarded as most satisfactory, and prove that the library is appreciated and filling an important place in the life and work of our members. The report was adopted.

The following committee was appointed:—Messrs G. W. Reid, J. Hogg, J. W. Smeaton, F. B. Aburn, W. R. Brown, E. C. Grace,_ G. Z. Lindley, and L. M. Satterthwaite.

Mr J. T. Hamann was appointed auditor.

Mr J. W. Smeaton (a member of the New Zealand Council) reported at length on tho various subjects of interest to the profession which had occupied the attention of the council during the past twelve months. Votes of thanks to Mr Smeaton for his report and to tho local chairman (Mr Brown) for his services to tho branch during the past year were carried with acclamation.