PRESENTATION.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume XXI, Issue 1105, 7 February 1891, Page 2

PRESENTATION.

Some 30 or 40 of the business people of Naseby as seuibled at the County Council Chambers on Friday evening, Sllth January, for tlie purpose of witnessing the prcsentatio" of a purse of sovereigns to Mr. J. A. Petrie, late agent of the Bank of New Zealand, on the occasion of his departure from Nafieb}'. The Mayor (ilr. JT. P. HJorrinir) presided. The chairman sa'd they had met for the purpose of , bidding farewell to Mr" Petrie, who had resided amongst them for a number of years as representative of the Bank of New Zealand, and whom they all highly respected. He was sure he was expressing the sentiments of all f*: saying that rery deep regret was felt .it the approaching departure of Mr. Petrie, who, in his private capacity, had always willingly given his assistance towards our local wants. In his capacity as the representative of a larsre financial institution, his conduct had been very praiseworthv, more particularly during the last three years, during' which period, owi.ig to the drought and "altogether unseasonable weather experienced, the mining and atnicultural industries had l>een greatly retarded, which had had a disastrous effect on commercial and banking pursuits. Throughout this trying peiiod Mr. Petrie, as agent of the Bank, had acted in a most satisfactory, obliging manner. Although a host of friends would regret the departure of such a sterling man from their midst, he wai sure Mr. Petrie's successor (Mr. Goldswortliy) would also be found both courtcousand obliging. Very short notice had been (riven of Mr. Petrie's intention of lem in?, but his friends had decided that they could not allow him to depart without presenting him with some memento of their esteem, and on behalf of the subscribers he had much pleasure in asking: his acceptance of a purse of sovereigns as a slight token of their friendship, and in expressing the hope that he and his family might long enjoy good health and prosperity.—(Applause.) Mr. Petrie, in replying, said he need not tell his many friends that he regretted leaving, lie had always endtavoured to do his duty faithfully, and to meet the wishes, asfaras possible, of those with whom he had had business relations. The depression during the last few years had been unexampled in the history of the colony, and had been very severely felt in this district, which was so dependent for its prosperity upon a fair supply of water. He could assure them he would always look back on the years xpent in Nasehv with feeiings of pleasure. He had spent many faappv* dava there, and it was there that one of the most"imi>brtant events in any man's life had occurred: it was the r'uee where his marriage had taken place, and w here his children had been ltorn. He felt at a loss to express sufficiently the regret he felt at parting with his many friendß, but could assure them that he would always cherish a grateful remembrance of them. He desired to thank them very kindly for their expression of esteem and for the substantial token which accompanied it. Mr. W. Guffle, County Chairman, said Mr. Petrie would carry away with him the best wishes of the whole community, and be could say, without fear of contradiction, that he had made no enemies but many friends. In his business capacity he had ever performed his duty manly and straightforwardly. His word was his bond, and he could always be relied on to keep his promises. The nia 1 who could " run" a bank as well as Mr. Petrie had done during a period characterised by such unexampled depression must possess considerable business tact, which could never fail to be suitably rewarded. Mr. Robert Glenn and Mr. Walter Inder also spoke highly of the creditable manner In which Mr. Petrie had discharged hi? duties, and of the ability displayed by him. Mr Ilugli Wilson said that, as a memlier of the community among whom Mr. Petrie had lived for so many vears. he had great pleasure in endorsing the remarks of the previous speaker*. During their long connection Mr. Petrie had displayed many excellent qualities He had shown the possesion of great ability and busiucs* tact, and he felt sure thatall with whom he was acquainted wished him every prosperity and happiness in any career which he might select In the future.

Mr. Petrie hnvlnjr again mltaMy replied, the proceedings t«nnlr>nt«d.