DEPARTING BANKER.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19150, 5 November 1927, Page 18

DEPARTING BANKER.

PRESENTATION FRQM CLIENTS. A large gathering of business men and representatives of the various organisations in Papanui met last night in the Papanui Buildings to bid farewell to 'Mr C. A. Steven, manager of the local branch of the National Bank of New Zealand, who is leaving to take charge of-the branch at Oamaru. The Rev. W. H. Orbel] said the gathering was'unique so far as Papanui was concerned, inasmuch that it was the first time in its history the people had said farewell to a bank manager. He could -speak more of Mr Steven as a bowler. As secretary of the Papanui Club he had proved himself . a worker. When he came to Papanui two years ago tho bank bad very few clients, but the large and representative gathering told of the support that had been attained-

Mr F. Sisson, representing the sporting, bodies of the district, said tun t when the question of the establishment of the bank was mooted he had *poufed cold water on the proposal, but now he was forced to admit it was a success, and entirely duo to the work of its manager. The gathering was representative of practically every interest in Pnpanui, and spoke for the esteem in which Mr Steven was held. He wished him every success in his new position. Mr A. .Uren;»representin£» the business interests of the district, said it gave him great pleasure to endorse the remarks of the previous speakers. He regretted very much Mr Steven's departure, for he was • sure it- was his ability that had made the bank a success. He had struck a depressing period to inaugurate a bank, but it was now established.

Other speakers were: Mr F- W. Sisson (chairman. Papanui Domain Board) Mr W. G. Ottoman (chairman, of the Memorial Half Committee), and Messrs Dnscoll and Tanper The chairman, Mr W. J. BoVce". presented Mr Steven with a case of pipes.