A POPULAR BANKER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3775, 20 July 1926, Page 56

A POPULAR BANKER.

PRESENTATION TO MR J. A. M'KINNON.

As the residents of Mosgiel and a largo portion of the Taieri Plain had learned that Mr J. A. M'Kinnon, who has been manager of the Mosgiel branch of the National Bank of New Zealand for the past 26 years, was about to retire from the service of the bank, and leave Moagiel, they decided to make him a present as a token of the esteem in which he is held and of appreciation of his services. The presentation was made at his home in Roslyn on July 16. The Mayor of Mosgiel (Mr J. P. Walls) and Messrs A. Johnson, C. H. Leith, R. Cullen, D. Andrew, and G Duthie formed a deputation on behalf of Mr M‘Kinnon’s many friends, and presented him with an oak roll-top desk and a massive solid silver inkstand and greenstone and gold pen These were suitably inscribed. The Taieri Agricultural Society (for which body Mr M‘Kinnon had acted as honorary auditor) presented a set of fish carvers m an oak case. The Misses M‘Kinnon (two) were each presented with a handbag of fashionable design. The Mayor detailed the career of usefulness lived by Mr M‘Kinnon it» Mosgcl, and stated that he had laboured outside of his official duties in the interests of the town, his work affecting various clubs and societies and educational matters. Special mention was made of his work as secretary of the school committee and of the Taieri Bowling Club. Mr Walla assured Mr M‘Kinnon that the friendships fotmed between the Taieri people and himself would be lifelong. On behan of all concerned Mr Walls wished Mr l*l‘Kinnon every happiness in his retirement. 'Hie other gentlemen present endorsed the Mayor's remarks, Mr Duthie making the presentation from the Agricultural Society, and Mr Johnson to the Misses M‘Kinnon. Mr M‘Kinnon, on rising to reply, was received with the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” He traced the progress of the bank from his first week in the old wooden building in Gordon road 26 years ago to the present fine building. lie no doubt had helped here and there—a matter which gave him great pleasure—but he did not think he was responsible for half the good things detailed by the speakers. He was grateful for the gifts— not that he needed any reminder of pleasant associations with Mosgiel and tne Taieri —and would treasure them all his life. The thoughtfulness of the donors towards his two daughters was as much appreciated by himself as it was by them. Though in retirement he hoped to beep in touch with his old friends in the Taieri. In addition, Mr M'Kinnon has received other presentations of a private nature, including a silver-mounted ebony walking stick from former associates on the Dunedin branch of the bank. The following letter signed by the Mayor and councillors was handed to Mr M‘Kinnon: “The members of the Mosgiel Borough Council regret to hear of your intended departure from the town after your long residence of 26 years. In the course of that period the personnel of the council har. changed many times, but the testimony of the occupants of office at all times has been the same—that you have never been failing in courtesy or kindness towards the Mayor, councillors, or their executive officers. Not only have you shown courtesy and kindness, but you have lent valuable aid at all times. All this has been very much appreciated and the present council, in its own name, and in the name of those who have gone before it. has pleasure in tendering acknowledgment. We understand that you are retiring from active duty, and therefore we desire to extend to you all good wishes for a pleasant time in your retirement.”