PRESENTATION TO MR. F. SYMES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2145, 29 June 1920, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO MR. F. SYMES.

At the Council Chamber yesterday afternoon a representative gathering of business people and residents assembled to bid tarewell to Mr Fred. Symes, for several years manager of the local branch of the Bank of N.Z,, and who is on the eve of rot ring. The Mayor (Mr John Chrystall) presided. He referred to Mr Symes’ retirement from the feank and his departure from ’Foxton, which they regretted. He said Mr Symes was esteemed as a bank manager for his courtesy and his relations with those doing business with the Bank wore of a cordial nature. His position was one of great responsibility, and required backbone, otherwise there would he innumerable overdrafts. He was sure the public of Foxton wished Mr Symes every happiness in his retirement. As a citizen Mr Symes had made many friends, and had been keenly interested in the welfare of the (own. The Mayor also referred to the many line qualities of Mrs Symes, who was highly esteemed in the community. On behalf of Mr Symes’ friends, he asked him to accept a purse of sovereigns as a mark of esteem, and acceptance of flie accompanying letter: — “Fred Symes. Esq., “Bank of New Zealand, “Foxton. “Dear Mr Symes.—lt is with regret that wo learn of your retirement from active service, and particularly in losing- yon as a citizen from amongst us. During your term in Foxton as representing the Bank of New Zealand, our busbies- connection has always been tree from friction of any kind: and outside of business you have always earned the absolute goodwill of the residents of Foxton. On behalf of the subscribers representing the-business section and others in Foxton, I am asked to convey to you and yours the very best wishes for your future, and to accept the accompanying small gift us :m appreciation of regard. “Yours faithfully, on helm If of subscribers, “JOHN CHRYSTALL, Mayor.I’' 1 ’' Cr. M. IL Walker endorsed (he Mayor's remarks, and expressed Inpersonal thanks to Mr Symes for his willing advice. He hoped both Mr and Mrs Symes would be spared lo enjoy a well-earned rest, which they were well entitled to. Mr Berreau also added a tribute to the esteem in which Mr Symes was held. In rising to respond. Mr Symes was greeted with a round of applause. In feelingly acknowledging the presentation and kindly expressions on behalf of bis wife sum! self, Mr Symes said bis friends bad certainly sprung a surprise upon him. He could say that a banker's lot Wits not a happy one, particularly if bis duties had to he- discharged faithfully. He had attempted to do his duty without tear or favour, and no man. could do more. He hoped the same cordial relationship would be extended to Ids successor. He could thoroughly recommend his successor, Mr Foote, to them, as lie hud been associated ■with him for the past 30 yea is. Bo far as Foxton was concerned, he would cherish many happy memories of his residence hen 1 , and he agiiiu (hanked his friends for their kind expressions and token of good will. The Mayor then accorded'a welcome to Mr Poole, whose good reputation had preceded him. .Mr Poole thanked the Mayor for the cordial welcome extended. Those present then accorded Mr Symes three cheers and the singing of “He's a Jolly Hood Fellow.” Mr Symes leaves for Wanganui this week, where he and Mrs Symes will take up their residence, carrying away with them the best wishes of the Foxton public.