AFTER TWENTY YEARS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 282, 29 November 1927, Page 9

AFTER TWENTY YEARS.

BANK OFFICER RETIRES.

PRESENTATION TO MR. DONALD.

The annual wind-up of the season of the Karangahape Road Business Promotion Society, held at the Kara Tearooms, to-day, was utilised to pay the tribute of business men to a retiring bank officer, Mr. J. P. Donald, late manager of the National Bank of New Zealand at Newton. There was a large attendance, including a number of ladies., the president. Mr. M. J. Bennett, occupying the chair.

The address, a hadsome one of the illuminated order, was surrounded by photographs, giving it an added interest to the recipient and his friends. The pictures represented views of Karangahape scenes fifty years ago, as well as of the old Newton Bank, and the new one, the central and largest photograph representing a. group, the committee of the society. The address stated that the society owed much to Mr. Donald, who had been a member of the executive since

its inception. His advice and encouragement had been of the utmost value. The signatories trusted that he would live long to enjoy the leisure he had so well earned.

In co-operation with the society at the same function a presentation of a bag containing 200 sovereigns was made on behalf of the bank's clients by Mr. G. R. Hutchison. i

The toast of the guest, Mr. J. B. Donald, was briefly proposed by Mr. W. Peet. In presenting the address, Mr. Bennett stated that during Mr. Donald's 19 years of business activity in the district he had contributed largely to the continuous and growing prosperity of that area.

Mr. G. R. Hutchison, In making the presentation, stated that Mr. Donald had taken his position in the National Bank on March 23, 1908. What he was thought of could be gauged by the fact that in connection with the recognition now being made there had been no refusal. The money had not to be collected; it was sent in. In 19J years Mr. Donald had as banker been associated with business men in many trying times, and it said much for his qualities as a man that such a tribute should now be paid. The speaker read a number of extracts from subscribers who were unable to be present as representing the feeling of the bank's clients.

Mr. Donald feelingly responded, and expressed his appreciation of the goodwill and generosity of his friends. His retirement on the grounds of ill-health meant the severance of a life work. In conclusion he asked that the courtesy always extended to him in the past would be available to his successor, Mr. Skinner.

A selection of musical items was contributed by an orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. Geo. Poore.