ARCHITECTS’ INSTITUTE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 10, 10 December 1936, Page 2

ARCHITECTS’ INSTITUTE.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The annua] meeting of members of the Taranaki-Wanganui branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects was held at Wanganui, Mr R. G. Talboys presiding. Those present were Messrs T. H. Bates and J. T. Mannix (New Plymouth), J. A. Duff ill and AY. S. Gibson (Hawera), It. T. Jaggard and L. T. Brown (Palmerston North), and C. N. Hood (Wanganui). Tho annual report, which was adopted, stated, inter alia: The membership of the branch now stands at seven fellows and thirteen associates. During the year we had to record the death of Mr W. Stephenson, of New Plymouth, an old member of tho profession, who did good work in the early clays of this branch. One new member, Mr V. R. J. ITean, Palmerston North, became an associate member. This has been a busy year for members and difficulty has been experienced in getting them to travel the long distances to attend the meetings. Looking back over the year has seen some of the old prosperity of a few years return, although at present possibly the trade is a little quiter than in the earlier part. I feel this is only temporary and that the New A'ear will see the trade fully occupied ; if such be the case, then our profession need not be envied for we shall be faced with much the same troubles as we experienced after the war. Increased work will bring with it difficulty in obtaining full supplies of seasoned timber and other materials. Skilled workmen will be difficult to obtain. Both must add to a rising cost of building. An economic waste of huge and growing proportions has been going on for years and the asset of real estate has been allowed to drift. Tho more prosperous have been able to keep this asset intact—the wise are trying to overtake—but the unfortunate have yet to face it and those early in the market must be the best off. Tho following officers -were elected: Chairman, Mr Robin Hood (Palmerston North); vice-chairman, Mr T. IT. Bates (New Plymouth); secretary and treasurer, Mr L. T. Brown (Palmerston North); auditor, Mr It. T. Jaggard (Palmerston North); committee, Messrs It. G. Talboys, J. A. Duffill, Griffiths, Allen, 0. N. Hood, AV. S. Gibson and R. T. Jaggard.