BACK TO THE BEACH

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 120, 23 May 1941, Page 5

BACK TO THE BEACH

UNION BANK AT PETONE

." After an absence of 101 years, the Union Bank resumes business at Petone. It. opened a branch in that important business area today. Originally the Union Bank opened a branch there on the beach, the settlement being then called Britannia. The bank went where the business was, but the site of the nascent town was changed to this side of the harbour in 1840, and again the bank went where the business was—to Wellington. It landed its safe or treasure chest on the beach in the first instance and it had to bring it back to the beach in Wellington.

This precious chest, made by the original Chubb, was full up with gold, notes, and records of the highest importance. It had to. be conveyed on two canoes lashed together and decked over. The manager, Mr. John Smith, never lost sight or touch of the safe. He sat on it while it was in transit and the Maoris thereupon distinguished him by the title of "Jacky Box." The name stuck, for so Mr. Smith was known and addressed by all thereafter. The safe is still in use at the Wellington branch. It is "as good as new," or at least as serviceable. The first bank-note issued by the Union Bank at Britannia, or Petone. dated March 24, 1840, is still in existence. It was presented for payment in 1934 and ■was duly honoured.

Mr. W. C. B. Ingram, sub-accountant at Wellington, is the manager of the new Petone branch. He has had considerable experience of local business conditions.