ACCOUNTANTS’ AFFAIRS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 49, 28 February 1939, Page 12

ACCOUNTANTS’ AFFAIRS

MEETING OF N.Z. SOCIETY PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS WELLINGTON, Feb. 27. In his address at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Society of Accountants at Palmerston North today, the retiring president, Mr. M. S. Spence (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. While the council of the society had no control in regard to the passing of the candidates, he desired to express his own view that there should be no weakening of the standard in order to allow a larger number to pass. In spite of any clamour to the contrary, and of any suggestions of a close corporation, die standard should be maintained, and the matter of the number passing should be dependent entirely on the candidates proving their qualifications. He stood for giving the fullest support to the examiners in their endeavour to achieve this object. Anomalies in Taxation “The present taxation legislation undoubtedly contains many anomalies, and in its operation at times inflicts unfairness and hardship,” Mr. Spence remarked. “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, ana to advise upon it.” A Time of Uncertainty “It has been customary during the past decade for presidents of the society to devote a portion of their address to a review of Dominion affairs,” continued the president.

"Contrary to this practice, however, I do not intend to make lengthy reference to legislation introduced into New Zealand since March. We are living in a time of great change and I uncertainty and it would, I think, be imposible to make an adequate survey of present conditions in New Zealand without extending this address to unreasonable lengths and without bringing in matters that, are at present the subject of strong controversy along party political lines. One would only be justified in entering upon such a discussion if one had some definite constructive proposals to put forward. I will content myself by pointing out- that in the past real and lasting success has only been achieved as the result of individual initiative, industry and thrift. These were the characteristics of the pioneers of 1840 and succeeding years, and as next year we honour the founders of this Dominion, we would do well to 1 emulate their qualities.” Accountants in Public Life In conclusion, Mr. Spence said it was pleasing to note that many members of the society were serving on public bodies. He 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.