SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18991, 12 October 1923, Page 8

SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Otago Branch of the Now Zealand Society of Accountants was held in the Somerset Lounge. Savo,* Buildings, last night, Mr James Hogg (president) occupying the chair. The annual report stated, inter alia, that it was with regret the committee had to record the death of their esteemed fellow member, Mr Hugh Mitchell. The committee expressed pleasure that the membership continued to increase, and, •as all new members were necessarily examined men, it was hoped that increasing interest would be taken in the activities of the branch, and that the infusion of new blood would add to the strength of the profession in A vacancy on the council, caused by the removal of Mr P. B. Foote, had been filled by the appointment of Mr James Hogg. The financial statement showed a bank balance of £lB 4s 6d. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, said that the past year had been a fairly quiet one. principally owing to the influenza epidemic and the floods, and the consequent disorganisation of business. _lt was unfortunate that the lectures which were to have been given by Professor Condliife. of Canterbury College, and the Hon. W. Downie Stewart had not taken place, but he suggested to the incoming committee that they be given during the forthcoming year. A matter which had created considerable discussion was whether the society’s annual social or dinner shou-u be continued, and, as such functions did good work as members mot at such gatherings and profited by a mutual interchange of views, ho was strongly of the opinion that they should be continued. Another important matter was the securing of a room where the whole of the societies Wild gather—the Commerce Faculty, the es-Students’ Association, and the parent body, but it had not been possible to do this during the past year. The suggestion of a luncheon of members was a very good one, and it was intended to commeitce these functions in the near future. Referring to Mr S. B. Foote, the speaker paid a tribute to his work, both as a member of the council and of committee, and said that his resignation was a great loss to the society. The question of the title “Regtd. Acct.” for the Associate Commercial Accountants was another very important matter. Considerable feeling had been created both in this province and in the north against the use of the term “Regtd. Acct.” as a large influx of men was taking place to the Institute of Accountants because th-y thus secured the use of the term “A.1.A.N.Z.” The Otago branch had brought the matter before the New Zealand Council of the society, and its suggestion that, letters like “A.K.A.N.Z.” should be used had been favourably received. The time had come, remarked Mr Hogg, when an attempt should be made to close down the Institute ot Accountants and the Accountants and Auditors’ Association so that members of the profession could concentrate on the New Zealand Society of Accountants. There should be one society instead of several, as was the case at present. The several societies were also confusing to the public, and this would be avoided if there was but one body. Education was another matter of considerable moment, continued the speaker, and the statistics showed that the commercial classes at the Otago University were more than holding their own with the northern universities both numerically and with regard to the standard of the students trained, which undoubtedly had a good effect on the commercial community. There had been considerable controversy in connection with the examination papers set for accountancy students. Whether the mtellectual ability was below the average, or whether the papers were too difficult* was hard to say; but, maintained Mr Hogg, the intellectual standard of the students was quite as good as that of previous years. The weakness was that they had reached the stage in the examination system when matriculation students were too young to take up accountancy work, as they had iust left secondary schools. The society should endeavour to revise the syllabus, and compile a preliminary course, which must be taken before the difficult work of the professional course was commenced. Ihey should not think of reducing the standard of the examinations or the length of the papers, but should maintain the present standard. In conclusion, Mr Hogg paid a tribute to the efficient work of the secretary, Mr G. M. Maclean. Mr H. R. Spence seconded the monqn, and, after some discussion, the report and balance sheet were adopted. ... The following committee was appointed: Messrs Peter Barr, J. G. Patterson, James Hogg. T. G. Brickell, J. Greenfield, D R. Noble, and H. H. Spence. The three Otago members of the New Zealand CouncilMessrs J. Hogg, J. G. Patterson, and Peter Barr—are also ex officio members of the local_ committee. Mr J. T. Hamann was appointed auditor. f Mr J G. Patterson, who was one of the Otago branch’s representatives at the annual meeting of the (New of Accountants, which was held at Wellington in August, reported on the meeting. In the course of his remarks he said tliat the society’s membership for was 1778 which was an increase of 15 on the 1921 ngures. In 1922, 1117 accountancy students &at for examinations, compared with 1207 1U .U 92 the conclusion of the business an enjoyable supper was handed round an Messrs W. Brown (songs) and T. G. Brickell recitations) entertained those present Mr H Boddy provided the accompaniments.