FIGURES OF SPEECH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 28 March 1936, Page 4

FIGURES OF SPEECH

ACCOUNTANTS AS WATCH-DOGS Special interest for New Zealanders lies in the. opening remarks of Viscount Craigavon (Prime Minister of Northern Ireland) at the recent annual (linnet of the Belfast Society of Incorporated Accountants. He said he had pbtained a, number of very interesting figures which lie had thought of quoting to confirm that there was prosperity in their midst, but on reflection he had decided that to bring tables of statistics to that gathering would be like taking coals to Newcastle or goals to New Zealand—except, of course, from Ulster. Another pleasant speaker was the Attorney-General (Mr A. B. Babington). lie said that the profession of accountancy was one which was growing and increasing in importance. He was hound to say lie thought they owed a great deal to the State because their activities were founded by tactless Governments passing complicated laws relating to income tax and companies. (Laughter.) He supposed the time would come when, with regard not only to public finance but to private finance, they would have to call in the assistance of Incorporated Accountants and give an explanation as to why one’s wife bought so many hats, or the male members of the household purchased so much drink. (Laughter.)

Accountants, lie continued had become the watchdogs of the public; they stood between the public and the people who preyed upon the public — sharepushers and others—and also between the public and wlmt was, perhaps, even more dangerous than mere dishonest! —inefficiency. Their profession was rapidly bringing all business up to a modern standard which enabled if, to compete not only with comparable trades in their own country, hut with the trades it was in competition with in foreign lands. Therefore he thought their Society was worthy of their respect and support for the good which it brought not only to themselves hut to the community.