MR WM. BANNERMAN

Evening Star, Issue 18288, 30 May 1923, Page 10

MR WM. BANNERMAN

HIS SERVICES IN THE BANK. ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY CUSTOMERS About sixty or seventy customers of the Bank of Now Zealand assembled in the Savoy lounge yesterday afternoon for the purpose of expressing their high appreciation of his work as accountant Dunedin office of the Bank of New Zealand. The meeting was of quite a distinctive character, in that the company fairly represented the brains and the good faith of Dunedin, and in that there was no manifestation of a hurry to get the function over and rush back to business, hut an obvious desire to do honor to the guest as a tribute of genuine friendship. The Mayor of Dunedin (Mr Tapley) raid that when invited to take the chair lie consented readily to preside, not only on behalf of the customers of the bank, but on behalf of the citizens of Dunedin, who wished to honor a good fellowcitizen. Tho customers had received at Mr Bannorman’s hands many courtesies and kindnesses that would always be remembered, and, though they regretted that he was retiring, they felt that it was a due acknowledgment of his services that, ho should have tho opportunity of retiring whilst in tho full possession _ot 'health and strength and able to enjoy his leisure. Mr Bannerman was the respected son of a respected father, and had a banking record of forty-nine years of faithful and honest service. The proposal to hold that meeting and to make a presentation was received with the greatest enthusiasm. Over 100 had subscribed, and each and every person approached had gladly stood in. The City Corporation was one of tho Bank of New Zealand’s largest customers next to the Government, and lie (Mr Tapley) had been asked by the town clerk and by the city treasurer to say, on their behalf, that they greatly appreciated the services that Mr Bannerman had rendered to them. His Worship concluded Iby asking the guest to accept as tho gifts from tho bank’s customers a silver tray and tea service and a wallet which contained a substantial sum. These were presented with the wish that Mr Bannerman would enjoy long life, health, and happiness. The speaker added that it was satisfactory to know that Mr Bannerman propns'ed to spend his retirement in Dunedin. , Hearty cheers endorsed the mayor s remarks, and the company sang ‘l’or He s a Jolly Good Fellow,’ an extra cheer being given, at the call of Mr C. Russell Smith, for Mrs Bannerman. Sir George Fenwick, in the course of his remarks, which brought up many persona! reminiscences, said that Mr Bannerman, throughout his long period of service, had always been a courteous and obliging officer, careful that tho blink did not'lose a point, but always giving even a refused client the idea that he had been treated quite fairly. Mr G. L. Denniaton said he felt certain that Mr Ba-nnerman's modesty had stood in the wav of his taking a higher position in the service. What had gained for him not merely the respect but the affection of the bank’s customers was his unceasing geniality. When he rang up to say that a i account was over the limit the client felt that behind the intimation there was a smile. Mr D. E. Thcomin said that, as one of the committee who organised the function, he could bear witness that the invitation to subscribe had been received with every evidence of good-will. There was no need for begging; the customers jumped at the opportunity. Mr S. Solomon, K.C., speaking from a lengthy knowledge of Mr Bannerman and his work, said that the people of Dunedin were losing a good friend and a good banker, and it would be a difficult task to get a successor of the same kind. Mr F. W. Mitchell said that he was in tho Colonial Bank service with Mr Banr.erman, and could say that one thing that endeared Mr Bannerman to the staff was his kindness to the juniors. He could do things in a way that many accountants would not be bothered witn, Mr Bannerman, on rising to reply, was erected with prolonged hand-clapping. Ho said that he felt utterly unable to reply adequately—the enthusiasm of the meeting had quite taken his breath away and he could not do any more than thank the company. , , The Mayor then introduced Mr G. A. Thompson,' who has come from the managership at Queenstown to succeed Mr Bannerman. The meeting gave Mr Thompson a hearty, welcome. Mr“ Thompson, in his acknowledging remarks, said that Mr Bannerman had been the banking father of hundreds of young men, who had to thank him for ihe coaching which had enabled them to take rr o od positions. The present London manager and his assistant were both as younv men under Mr .Bannerman. The National Anthem was then sung.