OUR NEW BANK MANAGER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2141, 17 June 1920, Page 3

OUR NEW BANK MANAGER.

(Prom Nelson Evening Flail.)

Monday evening, May 31st, saw the big Oddfellows’ Hall, Tabaka, filled with representative citizens and settlers from all parts of the district, the occasion being a farewell social rendered by the people of the Takaka district to Mr S. H. Poole, manager of the local branch of the Bank of New Zealand, who js under orders to proceed to Foxton to take charge of the Bank there. Owing to ill-health, Mr Frank Page, chairman of the County Council, was unable to preside, his place being taken by Mr J. B. Sadd, there being also on the platform Mr George Winter (County Council), Messrs R. W. Kirk and Colin Scott (Town Board), J. A. McLaren, manager, Cement Works, and Rev. Earpell, vicar pro tern of Takaka Anglican Church.

The first portion of the evening was taken up with a concert programme, all the numbers being well rendered and appreciated by the large audience present. A speciality of the concert was a song 'rendered by Mr Poole himself, by special request of a number of his friends, who desired to hear his voice raised in song once more ore he left the district. One sung, though beautifully sung by Mr Poole, failed to satisfy the audience, and a second one was demanded and duly responded to. After the concert the chairman addressed the audience, dividing his remarks into three heads, first, to tell Mr Poole what they all thought of him; 2nd, to make him a present of something to lake away with him lo remind him of the many friends he and Mrs Poole were leaving behind them; third, to bid Mr Poole farewell.

The chairman remarked that whereas a poor man.in a public position was soon criticised, a really good man had lo die or else leave the district before his full worth was discovered. Mr Poole has now been managey ( of the bank here for six years, and during that period he lias gained and retained the respect and admiration of evervone with whom *1 * he has come in.fonlael. His neverfailing genial manner, his innate courtesy and tact in, all transactions with his clients made it a pleasure to have dealings with him, and his exactness and promptitude in all things relating to Hie hank won him many warm friends among the business people. As a citizen Mr Poole took his share in all that made for the welfare of the (own and district, and throughout the war period did valuable service on various committees and assisted all good works by every means within Ids power. Jn a quiet way Mrs Poole ably seconded her husband, and it was a mailer of double regrel Hint it was on account of Mrs Poole’s health that the transfer to Foxton was undertaken. At the conclusion of Ids address Air Sadd called on Mr Poole to ac--cepl for himself and Mrs Route a handsome silver tea and codec service on an oak and silver tray, as a parting gift from ' the people of Takaka. al the same time wishing Al l- and Airs Poole and their little daughter a long and happy life in their new sphere. This was tallowed by “For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" and a ringing three cheers. Air Poole, who was widl-nigh overcome by the enthusiasm of the crowd assembled, feelingly replied, and thanked one and all for their land wishes and for their handsome present. The Rev. Mr Farneli then in a I neat speech mentioned the many services Air Poole had rendered to the Church during his long slay here, and the tower of strength lie had been in the choir, and on hehalt of the parishioners of the Church of Epiphany, begged his acceptance of a handsome oak clock, suitably engraved, accompanied by the good _ wishes of all the Church, member.-. Air Poole had again to face the audience and return thanks.

A bounteous supper was then dispensed by the ladies of the district, after which the younger folks present warmed their feel by having two or three dances. Mrs Boole and her daughter have hecn located in the North Island for some lime now, and Air Poole leaves for Foxton in a few days. - Air Norman Ross, who hails last from Rotorua, is now on his way lo take over the management of the bank here.