A POPULAR BANKER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9910, 27 July 1910, Page 4

A POPULAR BANKER.

MR 13. M. MOLINEAUX FAREWELLED. A!.i- 13. M. Molineaux, who for many year* has been manager of the Christchurch branch of the Bank of New South Wales, lias been transferred to the managership of the Wellington branch, a position, which ho held before coming to Christchurcbj and he will leave this city on Saturday evening. Yesterday afternoon he was met at the Art Gallery by a gathering "of about sixty citizens and was presented with souvenirs of his business connections in Christchurch. Mr W. Reece,, who presided, said that it was extremely gratifying that there was so large an attendance, consisting chieliy of clients of the Bank of New South Wales, who had had tlio pleasure of transacting business with Mr Molineaux during tlio many years that he had been in charge of the Christchurch branch of the bank, Those who had met Mr Molineaux in business ielationships found it hard to express adequately their appreciation of the services that he had rendered to them. Although he had never been a pessimist, and had always been ready to look on the bright side of things, Sir Molineaux had always advised caution, and his advice had always been accepted as being in the interests of all parties concerned. It was sometimes said that a man could not mako friends without making enemies, but it would be difficult to find anyone hostile to Mr Molineaux. He was pleased that Mr Molineaux was not going very far from Christchurch, and he felt sure that, the goodwill and esteem i>f his many personal friends would follow him to his new sphere of life. Mr Reece added that his only regret was that .many friends of Mr Molineaux who were resident in the country districts had been unable to attend the gathering. He then presented to Mr Molineaux a silver salver and a wallet containing a substantial cheque. The health of the guest was drunk with musical honours and cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Molineaux. In. replying Mr Molineaux said that ho found himself at a loss to express the warm appreciation ho felt for the honour that had been done him. During his term of office in Christchurch his lines had fallen in pleasant places, and it was with a .good deal of regret that he would leave the city. Ho had been connected with the .Bank of New South Wales for about forty years, having seen service under it in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria before coming to New Zealand. Mr Molineaux briefly recounted some of his experiences in the banking business of the early days of Australia, and in conclusion again expressed, his gratitude for tho. kindness that had been shown him during his sojourn in Christchurch.