POPULAR BANK MANAGER

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 284, 25 August 1921, Page 6

POPULAR BANK MANAGER

PRESENTATION TO MB. ALFRED SMITH. A large number of Wellington merchants yesterday expressed their esteem for Mr. Alfred Smith, until recently manager of the Bank of New Zealand, in this city, by presenting to him a wristlet watch (for Mrs. ■Smith) and a wellfilled purse. The presentation was made by Mr. R. Tingey at a gathering in tho Commercial Travellers’ Club. Among those present were the chairman of tho Bank of New Zealand (Mr. Harold Beauchamp) and Messrs. H. D. Bennett, C. J. Norwood, and J. B. Harcourt. ‘lt gives me great pleasure,” said Mr. Tingey, "to present to Mr. Smith a small token" of appreciation, ror his kindness, tact, and consideration during his term ns manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Wellington. 'While the meeting is not desirous of establishing a precedent In this connection, the general consensus of opinion confirms the action we have taken in recognising the special merit of our worthy friend in his arduous and difficult position during one of the most critical times in the history of the financial world. lam exceedingly pleased to have this opportunity of giving a resume of Mr. Smith’s career with tho bank, as I remember him as a boy fifty years ago. He was educated at Wanganui Collegiate School, under Mr. Godwin, and joined the bank at Wanganui in August, 1873, when Mr. Russell was manager. He was transferred later to Halcombe, thence to Patea, Opunake, Masterton, Sanson, Bulls, Waimate, to Wellington as accountant in 1886, and back to Wanganui in 1892. Then ho moved to Gisborne, Thames, and Invercargill, and finally to Wellington ns manager in 1916. Mr. Smith retired on pension on June 30 last, after forty-eight years’ continuous sendee with the bank, surely a wonderful record. Several other merchants spoke in glowing terms of Mr. Smith’s kindness and good judgment, and at the conclusion of their speeches Mr. Smith returned his warmest thanks.