EX-STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18953, 29 August 1923, Page 5

EX-STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION.

COMMERCE FACULTY ANNUAL MEETING. The second annual meeting of the Otago Commerce Faculty, ex-Students’ Association. was hold in the Y.M.C'.A. Soldiers Chib room last evening, Mr James Hogg presiding. There wore about 20 members present. The following are the principal clauses in the annual report which was presented On account of the fact that strong student societies wore in existence in the northern cities, a number of the cx-studonts of the Commerce Faculty felt that it should be possible to raise sufficient enthusiasm amongst Dunedin accountancy students to have a society on similar lines m this city. With this idea in view-, a preliminary meeting was held in June of last year when the proposal was discussed and a draft constitution drawn up. In order that the incoming committee might be able to take over the affairs of the association in a good condition the committee decided to arrange the syllabus so that the annual meeting should fall halfway through the year. Two meetings have been hold this year when interesting addresses have been delivered, but the attendance has been rather disappointing. The committee urges members to do all they possibly can to keep the association going in a flourishing condition, as it is undoubtedly an institution from which great benefits may bo derived. A statement of receipts and payments for the period under review was attached to the report. Tiro statement showed a surplus of £1 5s 5d for the period The society has promised a grant of £5 towards the funds of the association. The Chairman moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet, and said that they were aware that the association had been formed last year because it was felt that the time was opportune for establishing an ex Students Association in Dunedin. What had impressed him was the interest and enthusiasm that had been aroused in this connection in all other centres, but seemingly they had not been able to carry on with the same enthusiasm. They had had to make an appeal for greater support in order that the association might bo carried on. Although it was called an ox-Studcnts’ Association it was primarily catering for university students Ho proceeded to refer to the success of the social, which had been a success socially and financially. With regard to the 1923 syllabus they had still tn interesting course ahead of them. With regard to the finances they had been most economical, and had a small credit balance in hand. Mr Kirby had been the real promoter of the association. Mr C. T. Leo seconded the motion, and said it seemed strange that in Dunedin, which claimed to be an educational centre, the attendances at the meetings had been so small He thought that those present should express an opinion as to whether it was advisable to carry on the association. The Chairman said that personally he thought they should carry on. Mr H. R. Spence said he had enjoyed attending the meetings, and he thought it would be a great pity if the association wore allowed to lapse. Owing to the youth of students at the university they could not bo expected to take the same interest in accountancy matters as their elders did. Perhaps they had been a little too ambitious with regard to the syllabus, and he suggests dthat. next year they might meet every two months, or at a greater interval than once a month. He hoped that there would be no question whatever of the association lapsing. Another member said he would bo sorry to see the association disband. Mr J. G. Paterson said that as a mem her of the council he felt an interest in these societies, and desired to see tliem carried on. It was resolved that the association continue in existence for the coming year, and the report and balance rhect wore then adopted The following office-bearers were elected; —President, Mr C. T. Lee; vice-presidents— Messrs G. W. Reid. J. G. Paterson, 11. R. .Spence, and J. Hogg; committee —Messrs A. Cameron, S. P. Cameron, J. M‘Keefry, W. R. Brown, and J. K. M'Cahon; and secretary, Mr M. Malloch. Mr C. T. Leo then gave an address on modem improvements in office systems, and equipment, and gave demonstrations concerning these. Ho referred to the sales book, addressing machines, invoices, and many other such matters connected with office systems, and equipment, and at the conclusion of his remarks was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.