VALEDICTORY PRESENTATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2811, 26 August 1908, Page 27

VALEDICTORY PRESENTATION.

MR J. SINCLAIR THOMSON. Mr J. Sinclair Thomson, who for the past 17 years has occupied the position of manager of the Dunedin branch of the National Bank, and is now retiring from the service, was on Saturday afternoon called upon to take the place of honour at another of those complimentary meetings at which he has been so conspicuous for the past week or two. Mr Thomson's banking career has been a busy one, sptmt in the service of various large institutions. He began his work in the Homeland, and the foundation of his experience as a banker was laid in that country, par excellence the home of banks and bankers. Scotland, whose sound methods and Steotch "canniness" in matters of finance have don© so much towards providing a. sound basis for the world's general banking system. Not only has the Scotch system provided the keystone : it has also supplied men for the highest positions in the banking world. Mr Thomson's first colonial experience was gained in South Africa in the service of the Bank ,of Africa, as manager of the important branch at Kimberley. He ioined the service of the National Bank as inspector, and 17 years ago was appointed to the important position of manager of the Dunedin branch, from which position he is now retiring into private life. The management of a large banking establishment may be looked upon hv some as an easy and agreeable task, but to those who see below tho surface, the difficulties incidental to the care of the funds of the public and shareholders entrusted to a manager's keeping forms a burden of responsibility that few would be able to carry successfully. The gift of dealing with matters of staff also requires qualities of the highest character. It says much, therefore, for Mr Thomson's abilities in this direction that on Saturday the staff who have been associated with him in a number of cases both as inspector and afterwa-rds as manager had but one note to sound in this connection. Mr Martin, accountant, in a suitable manner, expressed the res-ret they naturally felt on the approaching departure of their manager, and assured him of the goodwill and esteem in which he is hel<l throughout the service. Mr Martin, on behalf of himself and tho staff, presented Mr Thomson with an illuminated address, signed by every member, as a permanent record of the sentiments they all entertained towards him, and at the game time handed him a handsome silvermounted walking-stick. Mr Thomson responded in a happy speech, thanking Mr Martin and the officers for the kind words and sentiments expressed, ami for the gifts aceompanving them and asstired all present that the pleasant memories which would ever centre round the days spent in the Dunedin office would in no small degree be attributable to the ready and cheerful assistance rendered at all times by the staff. The proceedings were of an exceptionally enthusiastic description, although naturally in the circumsta-nces tinned with a certain measure of regret. The meeting terminated with t'-ie singing of " Auld larsg syne," and thrpe hearty cheers. An opportunity- was takr>n on Saturday afternoon by the staff of the National Bank | to meet for a few minutes to extend a welcome to Mr C. W M'lntosh, who luis been appointed manager of the bank in

place of Mr J. Sinclair Thomson, who retires from the service. Mr Martin, accountant, expessed the pleasure it gave to him* self and the officers to welcome Mr M In tosh as their manager, and assured him of the cordial feeling already existing towards him as well as of the satisfaction witb which, they regarded his appointment as manager of the bank in Dunedin. A suitable reply was made by Mr M'lntosh, who hoped that the happy relations existing between them might be for their mutual benefit as well as in the best interests of the bank.