VALEDICTORY

Western Star, 6 March 1936, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

<£> FAREWELL TO POPULAR RESIDENT. A large and representative gathering of citizens assembled in the Town Hall on Thursday afternoon to bid farewell to Mr T. R. Abercrombie, manager of th e National Bank of New Zealand prior to his departure for Lower Hutt, to which place he has been promoted. His Worship the Mayo r (Dr Trotter; presided, and read apologies form Rev Father Fenelon, Messrs P. Fahey. W. Armstrong, Jno Crawford. Hi s Worship said that during Mr Abercrombie’s residence in Riverton he had not only been a splendid officer of th e bank but had taken part in all matters pertaining to the inter. estS of the town. While regretting his departure he wished Mr and Mrs Abercrombie and family every prosperity in their new sphere. On behalf of the citizens he presented Mr Abercrombie with a well-filled wallet. Mr L. W Petchell said a s a n old client of the bank while regretting the departure of Mr and Mrs Abercrombie and family lie desired to congratulate Mr Abercrombie on his promotion. The bank had been very fortunate in hav. ing good officials, and Mr Abercrombie had by his genial manner and courtesy endeared himself to a large circle ol friends. He wished their guest and his family every success in their new home.

Mr A D. Angus congratulated Mi Abercrombie on his promotion. Although rivals i n business they had been very pleasant ones. Mr and Mrs Abeicrombie had been most hospitable during their residence here, and were ever ready to help their friends. Mitl liis pleasant personality Mr Abercrombie would make many friends in the north Although regretting their departure he wished them every success in tlieii new home. Dr Gordon said that farewelling must always be a sorry business, and he was sure that all present there and many who had been prevented from attending regretted the necessity of bidding good-bye to their friend, Mr Ralph Abercrombie, H© will be missed not only by his business associates but also by sports bodies, anff socially by a large number of friends. Some individuals possess the happy knack of being abl e to creep into people’s hearts. Their’s is no seeking after popularity but they possess some innate gentleness and kindliness of disposition which draw out the affection of others. This may truly be said of their friend. These characteristics should stand him in good stead i n the position he is to occupy at Lower Hutt, and I believe

the added responsibilities of his office ' will be met by that courage, resolution and steadfastness of purpose which make for a successful career. He carries with him the good wishes of a large circle of friends for the succses, happiness arid prosperity of hims.eif family. Mr J. A. Martin said he was sorry Mr Abercrombie wa» going away, but was pleased to know that he was gain, ing promotion, and hoped be would continue to rise in bis profession. On behalf of the Progressive League lie wished Mr and Mrs Abercrombie every happiness and prosperity. Mr Chas Haywood said he had been a client of the National Bank for the past fifty years. Riverton had always been represented by good managers. He had many business dealings with Mr Abercrombie, had always found him a gentleman, and wished him every sueess in liis new home. The Rev Father Fenelon wrote stating that it wa s universally admitte- 1 that in the departure of M r Aer crombie the community was losing < ne -f its most popular and useful members. This was evidenced by the ex pressions of regret that one heard < n all sides since the news of his dtp rime became known. Apart from ;i personal sense of loss be desired 011 behalf of the Golf Club to be associated w|tii the various organisations of the town in expressing deep regret at the loss of one whose z.eal aid energy iiui.-t be attributed in no small Gogr-e to the high standard to which th t . G >!f < bib •as attained. He congintulated Mr Abercrombie on his promotion, ? iid extended to him, Mrs Abercrombie and family liis sincere wishes for tlieir happi. ness and further honour jn liis new sphere of work, Mr Abercrombi e said bp wag ojj holiday when word was received of his transfer. He appreciated the kind things that had been said about- himself and liis family. During his five and a-half years spent in Riverton he had made many friends, and had tried to assist the bank’s clients to tfie best of his ability. He desired to thank the residcnty.'for their handsome gift and good wish.es. He took the opportunity of introducing his successor, Mr Stout who would give every consideration to the hank’s clients, Mr Stout briefly acknowledged the compliment and the function was brought to a close with a vote of thanks to the chair. Mr Abercrombie wa s met by the staff of the National Bank on Thursday and presented with a handsome barometer, when best wishes were extended for his future welfare.