VALEDICTORY.

Thames Star, Volume LX, Issue 16959, 4 December 1926, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

MR. H. J. BAKER.

PRESENTATION BY CITIZENS,

TRANSFERRED TO HAMILTON.

On Thursday evening ,at the Fire Brigade Hall prominent citizens met with the members of the Fire Brigade to farewell Mr. H. J.. Baker, the popular accountant of the Bank of New Zealand, who has been promoted to the Hamilton branch.

Superintendent Garrett was in the chair and he was supported by Messrs. T. W. Rhodes, M.P., F. H. Claxton, Adam Wilson, H. R. Bush and A. Chapman. Apologies were received from several who were unable to attend.

The Mayor said it was his pleasurable duty to make a presentation to Mr. Baker on behalf of the citizens of Thames. All were sorry to lose their esteemed friend. He was,* a Thames boy of one of the oldest families which had made its mark in the town’s history. Mr. Baker had been away for a short time, but was appointed to this branch some six years ago. This had brought him into contact with business people and his unfailing courtesy had made him well liked. The bank was very fortunate in having such an official who was so trustworthy and reliable. As Mayor, the speaker said lie had come much in contact with Mr. Baker and he could testify how thoroughly conscientious and efficient he was. The gathering that evening showed how popular he was not only with the Bank’s customers hut also with the general public. They were all proud of the high position Mr. Baker held and lie hoped he would hold a still higher position in the near future. The Council had found that the expert knowledge Mr. Baker held was invaluable to the Borough. A "No” from Mr. Baker or from his chief (Mr. Wilson) was given so courteously that it left no sting. Addressing Baker, His Worship asked his acceptance of gifts that were donated by the business men of Thames. They were two silver entree dishes, a silver cigarette case and a smoker’s outfit in burnished copper. It was not the intrinsic value of the gifts , that would be prized by Mr. Baker, he felt sure, but for what they stood For. (Applause.) Superintendent Garrett said that when he had heard a presentation was to be made to Mr. Baker he considered the Brigade should taken an active part in it-. They did not know Mr. iTaker as a hanker but they knew him as M citizen, as a sport and as a singer, whose assistance to the Brigade had made every man. a friend to him. The Brigade wished him the success that went with every Thames hoy. They did not like losing old friends, but what was their loss was Hamilton’s gain. Mr. Baker had helped the Brigade in many instances and they would feel his departure very keenly. Mr. F. H. Claxton said it gave him extreme pleasure to be associated in doing "honour to Mr. Baker, but it was tinged with regret at his going, lie had been associated with Mr. Baket in business and had found him courteous .and L efficient. He hoped Mr* Baker would accept the present as a sincere expression of the goodwill of the people of Thames. Thames grew a good brand of citizen, and Mr. Baker was a good sample, and they were proud of him. They all joined in wishing Mr. Baker health’ and happiness in his new sphere of life. (Applause.) Mr. A. Chapman, the lown Clerk, congratulated Mr Baker on his promotion, but expressed regret at losing, a Bank official who had proved himself! so efficient and obliging. He felt sure his advancement in the future would be rapid. Mr. A. H. Wilson, manager, Bank of New Zealand, said he could speak feelingly on this occasion. He was losing a good friend and he was glad to join in the function to say. so. Mr. Baker was going to good promotion on a staff of 20—double that of 1 homes He was a Thamesite to the backbone, and so was tbe speaker. (Applause.) They had both been born and bred m the town. He was losing a good friend, associate and lieutenant. The last six years had been strenuous and Mr. Baker had been a great help to him. Joining the Grahamstown branch M years ago, Mr. Baker had nil the qualities necessary lor a successful bankei. He commended him for Ins punctuality, official management and supervision. (Applause.) He felt sure he would do well in his future post. Mr. Baker, who was received with prolonged applause, made a brief speech of thanks for the honour done to him. and for the valuable presents they had given him. He greatly regretted leaving Thames, but he could not place sentiment before promotion. He would always remember the many fnends had made in Thames.