N.Z. ACCOUNTANTS

Grey River Argus, 1 March 1939, Page 8

N.Z. ACCOUNTANTS

Annual Conference PALMERSTON N., February 27 A claim that a great gain to the public would result if legislation aimed at removing taxation anomalies was first submitted to bodies like tne Associated Chambers of Commerce and the New Zealand Society of Accountants was made to-day by Mr ,M. S. Spence, the retiring president, in his address to the annual meeting i of the society. I, The present taxation legislation undoubtedly contained many anoma'lies, and in its operation at times in--1 dieted unfairness and hardship, Mr Spence said. Any attempt to remedy [ this should receive thejj' sympathetic /'attention. Public accountants in particular were by reason of their experience specially qualified to appreciate the effect of any proposed legislation, and to advise upon it. “It_ has been customary during the last decade for presidents of the society to devote a portion of their address to a review of Dominion affairs,” continued the president. “Contrary to this practice, however, I do not intend to make long reference to legislation introduced into New Zealand since last March. We are living in a time of great change and uncertainty and it would, I think, be impossible to make an adequate survey of present conditions in New Zealand without extending this address to unreasonable lengths and without bringing in matters that are at present the subject of strong controversy along party political lines. One would only be justified in entering upon such a discussion if one had some definite constructive proposals to put forward. I will content myself by pointing out that in the past real and lasting success has only been achieved as the result of Individual initiative, industry, and thrift. These were the characteristics of the pioneers of 1840 and succeeding years, and as next.year We honour the founders of this Dominion, we would do well to emulate their qualities?’

Mr Spence said it was pleasing to note that many members of the society were serving on public bodies. He would advocate that it was a national duty foa tdjfer their services. Finance played a large pari in local body work and members of the society were especially trained to deal with financial questions and to interpret them to others. “While the council of the society has no control in regard to the passing of candidates, my own view is that there should 'be no weakenii|’ of the standard in order to allow a larger number to pass,” said Mi Spence.

The retiring president reported that the membership stood at the record figure of 2731, an increase, of 49 for the year. A further increase was indicated by the fact that in the recent examinations 251 candidates had completed the course in accountancy. If the increased percentage of passes this year could be taken as an indication of some improvement in the average standard achieved by the examinees, then it was a matter for congratulation. “In spite of any clamour to the contrary, and of any suggestions of a close corporation, the standard of the number passing should be dependent entirely on the candidates, proving their qualifications,” said Mr Spence. He stood for giving the fullest support to the examiners in their endeavour to achieve that object.” ’ 1 ~~~ OFFICERS ELECTED. PALMERSTON N., February 27. i Council members elected at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Society of Accountants were Messrs E. D. Wilkinson (Auckland), R. English (South Auckland), W. B. Griffin (Marlborough, Nelson, Westland), A. J. Allport (South Canterbury), G. W. Reid (Otago), W. M. Falconer (Wanganui), and W. H. Nankervis (Wellington). Membership was reported to be

2731, an increase of 40 for the year. / In recognition of the long and valuable services they have given the society, Messrs P. Barr (Dunedin) and R. Davis (Palmerston North) were elected life members. Mr Barr is a foundation member and was the first president, serving in that office from 1909 to 1913. Mr Davis was a member of the council for 22 years, during which he was president for 1925-26. He retired from the council this year.