MORE CONTROL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23085, 9 July 1938, Page 17

MORE CONTROL

SURVEYORS BILL RULES FOR PROFESSION MEMBERSHIP OF INSTITUTE [ny TELEGRAPH SPECIAL REPORTER] "WELLINGTON. Friday Provisions for tho control of the profession of surveying are contained in the Surveyors Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives by Governor-General's message to-day. The bill is largely a consolidating measure, constituting a Survey Board, providing for the incorporation of the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors, membership of which for practising surveyors will be compulsory, and laying down rules to govern the practice of surveying generally. The Survey Board to be set up under the bill is to consist of the SurveyorGeneral as chairman and four surveyors appointed by tho Minister of Lands, two of them to he appointed on tho recommendation of the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors. Tho section of the bill dealing with the incorporation of the institute makes it mandatory for all practising surveyors to be members. Registration and Discipline Annual practising certificates must be taken out by all surveyors. Rules are set out for the election of a council of the institute and the powers of the council are defined. Detailed provisions are made for tho registration of surveyors, with a definition of the necessary qualifications, and it is stated that applications for registration will come before the Survey Board. Disciplinary powers are to bo vested in the Survey Board. The practice of surveying is defined under the bill, which also makes it illegal for unregistered persons to act as surveyors. Provision is made for the collection of fees by the board and for the payment of fees to the institute. Tho latter body is also required to contribute a maximum of £l5O a year to the board's funds. Compulsory Membership Miscellaneous clauses provide for the constitution of a board of appeal presided over by a magistrate, and for the making of regulations. "The principal amendment in the bill is tno provision that registered surveyors should be members of the institute," said the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, when the bill was introduced.

"Compulsory unionism," commented the lit. Hon. G. W. Forbes (Opposition —Hurunui).

The Minister: This is just the Bame provision as there is for lawyers and accountants.

"Will this affect the cost of surreys ?" asked the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates (Opposition—Kaipara). Mr. W. J. Poison (Opposition— Stratford): It must increase tho cost.

"I take it that the scale of fees will be set out by regulation," the Minister said, "but I don't know that there will be any increase in the cost of surveys." Minister to Approve Scale

"My experience has been entirelv satisfactory," said Mr. Coates, "but I know of a case in which property was being cut up where the survey costs amounted to about 15s an acre, or almost £6O a section. That is definitely a stumbling block to closer settlement."

Mr. A. C. A. Sexton (Independent— Franklin) said that in cases where neighbouring farmers wished to exchange pieces of land the same difficulty frequently arose. Mr. Langstone in reply said the scale of charges would have to bo approved by the Minister, which should provide protection for the public. The bill was read a first time.