PERSONAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14283, 4 August 1908, Page 6

PERSONAL

A London cablegram states that King JUtward and Queen Alexandra are now at Cowcs, in the Islo of Wight, Mr Percy 0. Bridgcman, who for the last five years has been m (die Bank of NOW Zealand at the Dunedin branch, has transferred to tlio London office, and leaves for England by fclio Arawa on tho 13th 11161. Mr Robert Martin has been promoted to the position of accountant in the National Bank of Now Zealand at Dunedin vico Mr C. J. Honaldson who has been promoted to tho management of the Invercargill branch. On Saturday evening a number of members of tho Itaikorai Football Club met in tho Provincial Hotel to bid farewell to Mv Harold Thomson, who is departing to the Old Country. His chibmates presented him with a nice gold medal suitably inscribed. 'line Auckland Observer states that it is likely that the position of High Commissioner for Now Zealand in London will bo offered to, and accepted by, Mr James Coatcs, general manager of tho National Bank of New Zealand. "It is no secret," adds the Observer, "that Mr Coatei's health tho relinquishment of a strenuous business life, and \ that he will proceed to London within an easily measurable period of time." A pleasant function took place in the Public Works Office last evening, when the officers of the department foregathered to bid an official farewell to Mr Thomas Douglas, who is retiring from tho service after 28 years of duty. Mr Douglas was the recipient of a handsome gold chain and pendant, the latter being suitably inscribed. Mr Ussher, district engineer, in making the presentation, said that it was with deep regret he took upon himself the duty, on behalf of the staff, of bidding an official farewell to liis esteemed friend. F(?r over a quarter of a century he liad been closely associated with Mr Douglas, and could unhesitatingly 6ay that a more loyal, trustworthy, and obliging servant he had not mot in the public service. Mr Douglas had not, perhaps, received the full shaire of whirih his abilities awl unswerving loyalty to public service entitled him. a fact he (Mr Ussher) much regretted. He hoped that the chain and pendant would servo to re-mind him of the fellowship of those he left in office, and in return Air Dowries could rest assured that he himself would not be forgotten. On behalf of the staff he wished him long life and liappinraSi and success in whatever he might deem it advisable to turn his. hand to in the future. Mr Douglas briefly returned thanks. While admitting, ho said, that at times he had wished for greater promotion, he had never allowed his wishes to become a bane of discontent. As a public servant, lie had always eonoeived it to be his duty to do his work faithfully arid well, irrespective of all question of promotion. He had attempted to make his work a pleasure, wherein his mind could find absolute enjoyment, and he had succeeded. He could honestly aver that he had' never known the day when his work was wearisome, or other than his recognised duty and pleasure. Ho could assure his fellow-workers, on the strength of a carefully-studied experience, -tlhat work, and not so much the reward, was the satisfaction in life. One should attempt to raise one's mind above, the common level of pounds, shillings, and pence, and find, through one's work and energy, that contentment in the present that mado lifo worth the living. What ho intended to do in tho future he could not definitely say, but he was far from " done," and could assure tlwse present that they would yet hear more from him.