SOCIETY MEETING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23284, 1 March 1939, Page 15

SOCIETY MEETING

ACCOUNTANTS' AFFAIRS ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT EXAMINATION STANDARDS " [bv telegraph-—own correspondent] PALMERSTOX NORTH, Tuesday In his address at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Society of Accountants at Palmerston North yesterday, the retiring president, Air. AI. S. Spence, of Napier, said 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 might be taken as an indication of some improvement in the average standard achieved by the examinees. then it was a matter for congratulation, said Mr. Spence. While the council of the society had 110 control in regard to the passing of* the candidates, he desired to express his own view that there should be 110 weakening of the standard in order to alloiv a larger number to pass. In 'spite of any clamour to the contrary, and of • any suggestions of a close corporation, the standard should be maintained, and the matter of the number passing should be dependent entirely on the candidates proving their qualifications. Taxation Anomalies "The' present taxation legislation Tindoubtedly contains many anomalies, and in,its operation at times inflicts unfairness and hardship," Air. Spence remarkedj "Any attempt to remedy this should receive our sympathetic attention. It would in my.opinion be a great gain to the public if the proposed legislation could be submitted to bodies like the Associated Chambers of Commerce and .our own society for comments and suggestions before the bill is introduced. Public accountants in particular are. by reason of their experience, specially qualified to appreciate the effect of any such proposed legislation, and to advise upon it." 1 Air. tspence said it was pleasing to note that- many members of the society ■were serving on public bodies. Ho would advocate that" it was a national duty for members to offer their services. Finance played a large part in local body work and members of the society were especially trained to deal with financial questions and to interpret them to others. / ' Election of Officers The following were elected to the council: —Alessrs. E. D. Wilkinson (Auckland), R. English (South Auckland), W. B. Griffin (Marlborough, Nelson- and Westland), A. J. Allport ..(South Canterbury). G. W. Reid '(Otago), W. AI. Falconer (Wanganui), ? and W. H. Nankervis (Wellington). . Alessrs-. P. Barr (Dunedin) and R. Davis (Palmerston North), were elected life members. Air. Barr was a foundation member and' -he first president. 6erving in that office from 1909 to 1913. while Air. Davis served as a member of the council for 22 veal's, during which time he was president in 1925-26. 'Air. Davis retired from the council this year. The council; elected Mr. W. R. •.Brown, of Dunedin, president, Air. W H. Nankervis, of Wellington, vicepresident, and Air. F. H. Bass, of Wellington, honorary treasurer. It was decided to hokl an accountancy convention in Wellington in February, 1940.