BANKER'S DEPARTURE.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 187, 8 August 1919, Page 8

BANKER'S DEPARTURE.

-■- MR. H. BUCKUETON ENTERTAINED. BUSINESS MEN'S ESTEEM. ' - GOOD WISHES FOR FUTURE. The best possible evidence of the locaJ business community's cordial feelings toward Mr. Henry Buckleton was provided by the dinner given in his honour last night in the Chamber of Commerce, on the eve of hie departure for Wellington to take up the duties of general manager of the Bank of New Zealand, after thirteen years' service aa manager of the Auckland branch of the bank. Over one hundred leading business and professional men were present. The gathering was marked by the heartiest goodwill, and Mr. Buckleton received many expressions of appreciation for his past services, and good wishes for his success and prosperity in the future. Mr. M. M. McCallum, president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, preEided, and amongst those at the same table were Hon. (Jeorge Fowlds and I Messrs. C. J. Parr,|M.P., A. B. Rober[ton, D. R. Caldwell, J. B. Macfarlane, H. W. Hudson, and H. C. Tewsley. The Deputy-Mayor (Mr. A. J. Entrican) arrived later, after the conclusion of the City Council's meeting. An apology was received from Hon. A. M. Myers, who in the course of a telegram described Mr. Buckleton as "a capital banker and a worthy citizen," and wished him every success. Other apologies were received from Messrs. H. Brett, L. T. Symes (Bank o{ Australasia), H. D. Heather (chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board). W. F. Stewart (Auckland Gas Co.), W. K. Woodward (Union Bank), V. J. Lamer, and H. W. Laweon (National Bank). MR. BUCKLETOX.'S CAREER. Mr. McCnllum, in proposing Mr. Bucklcton's health, said that he felt it a very pleasing privilege to preside ie the [gathering, which had been organised to J do honour to one of Auckland's most i esteemed citizens. He took a personal j pleasure in it, because he and Mr. Biicklei ton had been friends for many years. Mr. Buekleton served for thirteen years on the staff of the Bank of New Zealand ! in Australia before he was sent over to be accountant to the branch at Hamilton, under the late Mr. James Hume. The 1 bank authorities eeemed to appreciate his worth, for he was transferred in course of time to Auckland as accountant. That position he held for eight : years, during which he endeared himself to the local business community. "Probably," said Mr. McCallum, "there was no more popular bank accountant in the country." Next Mr.'Buckleton Tvas made manager at New Plymouth, and five years later was promoted to be inspector at Wellington. A few months later the death of Mr. Buller made the Auckland managership vacant, and Mr. Buckleton was sent Xorth. He wa3 undoubtedly I the man for the job, and his appointment gave great pleasure to the whole 'business community. Throughout his thirteen yeare as branch manager Mr. Buckleton had done his duty thoroughly. Not only did he shine as a banker and a business man, but he was always a really good citi*cn,,,read v r,to,.help in any good cause. With his. fellow-bankers he rose to the occasion when the war broke out, and shared the credit that was undoubtedly due to the banks and the Minister of Finance for New Zealand's splendid record in the raising of money for war purposes. Mr. McCallum also paid a tribute to the patriotic work done by Mrs. Buckleton and her daughters,' and offered a welcome to Mr. A. P. Green, Jlr. Buckleton's successor. He wished Mr. Buckleton and his family good liealtn, long life, happiness, and prosperity. (Loud applause.) ADDRESS TO BE PRESENTED. Mr. McCallum then read the following address, which he said would be illuminated and forwarded later to Mr. Buckleton by the Chamber of Commerce. Dear Sir,— On the occasion of your departure from Auckland to take up the important position of General Mnnager of the Bank of New- Zealand, we desire to express, ou oenalf of the mercantile community of Auckland, the high respect and esteem in which for quite a quarter of a century yon have been held both as a citizen and as a business man. Your unfnlling courtesy, ability and sound judgment us a banker have made your advice on all business and financial matters much sought after and appreciated, not only by the clients of your tank, but by the citizens generally. Tne keen Interest you and Mrs. Buckleton have taken In all local patriotic and Bed Cross activities has been an Inspiration to the citizens generally, and your departure from our city will be widely felt and deeply regretted. (We congratulate you most sincerely on your selection as administrative head of the largest financial Institution In our Dominion, in which position we are convinced you will render fine service to Xew Zealand. We wish Mrs. Buckleton and yourself ■many years of growing prosperity and unclouded happiness. MR. iBUCKLETON'S REPLY. Mr. Buckleton, who was most warmly greeted, on rising to reply, said that sic was deeply touched by the compliment that had Ibeen paid him. It would give him great pleasure to convey the chairman's remarks to his wife, of whose patriotic work he was really proud. Referring to what had been eaid about his own career, Mr. Buckleton said that (he looked his 21 years' residence in Auckland with the greatest 'pleasure and satisfaction. When he came to the city in 1893 times were very bad. Indeed, the younger generation of 'business men had no idea of the troubles that had to be faced in those days. About 1896 there was a decided improvement, and with a few slight setbacks the city and district had made steady and substantial progress ever since. "No one knows better than myself tie financial position of Auckland to-day," added J the speaker, " and I can say without hesitation that it was never better, and that it is thoroughly sound. If 4>ad years come you can face them." He was naturally proud, said Mr. Buckleton, of ■having attained the chief executive position In the Bank of New Zealand, which did nearly half the country's banking business, and was amongst the first forty banks of the world. No other bank had ever stood such shocks in the past, and yet had always ibeen aJble to pay its way. This record was largely due to the loyal support of the bank's customers, with" whom it would always 'be his endeavour to deal fairly and equitably. He regretted having to hand over the Auckland 'branch, but he left it on the shoulders of one of the bank's ablest and most experienced officers. He would ask for Mr. Green the came confidence and courtesy that had been , shown to himself. (Applause.) "FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS."' Hon. George Fowlds, in proposing tie toast of "The Financial Institutions of Auckland," commended Mr. Buckleton's ' good qualities as a business man, and a citizen. Referring to the war work done by Mrs. Buekleton and her daughters, he said that as chairman of the joint committee of the Bri|igh,_.Jved Croa^

and the Order of St. John, he had personal knowledge of what these ladies had accomplished, and die was sure that the good wishes of their former fellowworkers would follow them. Mr. Fowlds spoke in praise of the invaluable work done 'by the banks in averting a financial panic at the outbreak of war, and to the good part which they and other financial institutions took in all suibse--1 quent efforts for the winning of the war. Their work was an object lesson in operation, and it was to Ibe hoped that in the 'future such co-operation -would l*e extended by getting a larger proportion of the community to take an interest in financial institutions and share the responsibility attaching to them. Mr. C. F. Thomas, trust manager for the New Zealand Ineuxance Company, in reaponding, said that ihe had been acquainted for more than thirty years with the financial institutions of Auckland, and he felt that the community owed respect and honour to the men who had developed them, and in some cases lhad carried their -operations to the ends of tihe earth. He desired to join with the other speakers in their expressions of regard for Mr. Buckleton, who had been a fellow junior with him in the -bank's Sydney office in 1887. The country, he felt, was fortunate in having such a man in the position to which Mr. Buckleton (had been promoted. He wished to add his personal warm wishes for Mr. Buckleton's prosperity. Mr. Green, on being invited by the chairman to say a few words, expressed bis thanks for the greetings, that had been offered him, and said that he would do everything he could to further the interests of the bank's customers and the community in general. The gathering concluded with tihe singing of " Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem.