MARTON CITIZENS SAY FAREWELL TO RETIRING BANK MANAGER

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 September 1950, Page 3

MARTON CITIZENS SAY FAREWELL TO RETIRING BANK MANAGER

Appreciation of the services rendered to the Rangitikei district and to Marton in particular, was expressed at a public farewell to Mr. A. J. Petrie, who has retired after 45 years’ service with the Bank of New Zealand, the last 10 years of which he has been manager of the Marton branch. Mr. Petrie is to live in Palmerston North.

The gathering was a representative one and was attended by all sections of the community, including visitors from Bulls, Hunterville and Feilding. On behalf of the citizens of Manon, Mr. F. J. Christensen, who presided at the gathering, presented to Mr. Petrie an electric cake mixer, a crystal water set and three crystal fruit salad dishes.

Opportunity was taken during the farewell ceremony to introduce Mr. Petrie's successor, Mr. G. T. Jenkins, from Te Kauwhatu, in the Waikato district.

Mr. Christensen remarked that of the 45 years’ service Mr. Petrie had with the bank, 24 years had been spent in the Rangitikei. In wishing Mr. Petrie a happy and healthful retirement, Mr. Christensen said he knew Mr. Petrie would remain an active and useful citfeen of the counI try. Speaking on behalf of the district clients, Mr. F. Purnell also wished the ! quest good wishes in his retirement. He referred to the associations with IM. Petrie in business affairs and per- ' sonal friendships. Mr. Purnell said he had a great admiration for banks and bankers and clients were grateful for Ihe assistance Mr. Petrie had rendered. Mr. Petrie was a man of hanking ability, who bad the respect and admiration of heednuarters. Mr. Purnell also mentioned various movements in the town to which Mr. Petrie had been most helpful, and on behalf those organisations he thanked Mr Petrie. “We are qoing to lost a valuable friend and helper,’’ said Mr Purnell.

Mr. Petrie had been a very capable member of the Marton Chambe** of Commerce and for three years served on the executive, said Mr. G. I-T. Denbow, in paving bis tribute on behalf of the townepeon’e and business associates. Mr. Petrie bad been a figurehead on the Marton bowling green and was an esteemed member of the Hun. Not many peonle. said Mr Denbow. were perhaps aware that Mr. Petrie in his early days, was a member of the Marton Musical Society and was a pianist of no mean ability. An injury to a hand, however, had prevented him taking an active part later. Mr. Denbow concluded his remarks by recounting some of Mr. Petrie’s experiences with the Marto n Home Guard, describing him as an efficient eornoral. Mr. R. Notley, o n behalf of the banks of Marton, also paid tribute to Mr. Petrie’s services 1o the town. Tn thanking the citizens for their

gifts. Mr. Petrie said he was overwhelmed with the recention accorded him. He appreciated it very much He did not think, however, that he had deserved all the praise which speakers had bestowed anon him. He bad snent 45 years with the bank, but the 24 vears he had spent in Raneitikei had born the best and he said be was extremely grateful for the marvellous hospitality accorded him while in Marton.

BUSY SEASON FOR CENTENNIAL TENNIS CLUB

Eight inter-club matches were arranged last season by the Marton Centennial Tennis Club, reported the prescient, Mr W. J. Mogridge, at the club’s annual meeting last night. Five were lost and one won. Play was unfinished on two occasions when rain halted play. Matches went played against Rata (2), Marton (2), Turakina (2), Fordell and Ohakea. Two tournaments were he’d. The Easter Monday tournament, for the Centennial Cup was won by Cpl. R. D. Murray (Ohakea) and M?s D. A. Parkinson (Centennial), and the wind-up tournament for the Matanui Rose Bowl by Squadron Leader and Mrs Ellis fOhakea). Present membership, said Mr Mogridge, was 61 active members. During the season the club was visited by a party of top-notch players from Lower Hutt—Mr and Mrs Robb, Miss E. McNeil and Mr O. Bold—and their exhibition matches were very interest-

ing and instructive. Commenting on the satisfactory balance-sheet, Mr Mogridge said that the credit balance was almost £27, while a sum of £3O had been set aside for the purchase of competition cups and other trophies which would stimulate interest in the club’s future.

Mr Mogridge concluded his remarks by thanking the officials for the way they had carried out their responsibilities during ’the season. HAWKESTONE GOLF CLUB.

A further round of the captain’s trophy competition will be played ol it he Ilawkestone golf links tomorrow. The winner of last week's bogey com- ' petition was E. C. Fogelberg. Tl ; final of the senior championship will : be decided tomorrow over 36 holes between D. J. Abel and L. M. Saywell. ■ ilawkestone will play Rangitikei ! : challenge match for the Transport j Cup on Sunday week. ANOTHER FOOTBALLER IN ARMY Another Marton footballer has been called up to join K Force. Tie is Phil Gibbs, a member of th.e Athletic senior team, and hr leaves for Linton tod a;.. ■J. Frederick. O. Summerton and W. [ Wilson, who ail played for Old Boys j seniors this season, entered camp with I Ihe first draft about, a fortnight ago.