CIVIL ENGINEERS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 123, 22 February 1928, Page 16

CIVIL ENGINEERS

DOMINION CONFERENCE PROPOSED CHANGE OF NAME The annual conference of the New Zealand Society of Civil Engineers was opened at Victoria College yesterday, when a cordial welcome was extended by the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup). Air. C. J. McKenzie (assi<ant engineer-m--cbief to the Public Works Department) presided over an attendance of about 120 delegates, amonn whom was Air. ?. W. Furkert (engineer-in-chief, Public AVorks Department), Mr. J. v. Marchbanks (engineer and manager, Wellington Harlvjur Board), Air. F. B. de Guerre (president -elect, Auckland), and Air. r. M. Kissell (chief electrical engineer. Public Works Department). The annual report J' ia t '.he total membership was now 427. including 211 members, one lion, member. 181 associates. Eighteen now members were elected during the year. A lengthy discussion look place upon the proposal to change the name of the society to “The Now Zealand, Society of Engineer*.” in order that its membership might embrace nil branches of engineering. The annual report stated that the council were practically unanimous in their disapproval of the suggested change. A motion that the clause be referred back to the executive for furtheir consideration was moved by Mr. I'. M. Ktssell. and was strongly supported. Mr. I,uke urged the need of greater co-opera.fion between Hie constructive and mechanical side of engineering and civil engineering. A proposal was also made that a referendum be taken on the subject, and it was stated that unless the scope of membership was widened there was a danger of a section of electrical engineers forming a branch of another engineering organisation and thus weakening the society. It was further urged that a change of name would involve a change in the name of the Engineers Registration Act, which would moan considerable expense, ami the change should not. be made unless some definite good was to be derived from it. On the other hand it was contended that by widening Hie scope of the society’s membership an increase of anything up to 170 new members would accrue After the luncheon adjournment and the election of officers the debate was resumed and was concluded at 4 p.m., when, on the motion of Mr. S. A. R. Mair (Hunterville). it was decided to take a plebiscite of the members. It was decided to hold the next conference in Christchurch. This afternoon the delegates and ladies are to be taken for a. harbour trip, and to-morrc>.v afternoon members will visit the wireless station. Mt. Victoria, tramway workshop, paving plant, etc., concluding with a foreshore drive. On Friday afternoon the ladies will be taken foi a scenic drive, when afternoon tea will be provided at Lower Hutt, and members will visit the Petone railway workshops and WainuiOrongorongo watersheds.