NEW BANK IN PATEA.

Patea Mail, 17 October 1881, Page 2

NEW BANK IN PATEA.

The foundation block of the new building in Patea for the Bank of N.Z. was laid this afternoon. The structure will be wood, on a brick foundation, and will present a handsome corner elevation when finished.

A group of prominent townsmen gathered at the site about 2.30 this afternoon. A cement block was got ready, with an inscription ; and a bottle of coins and copies of local papers were deposited in a cavity. Mr S. Taplik took a trowel, spread the mortar, laid the block, tapped it, and said : Gentlemen, I have been asked to perform the pleasant duty of laying the first block of this new building, and it gives me the more pleasure to do so as 1 happened to be the person who carried round the petition for the bank to start here, when this place was very stnali. The Bank of New Zealand was in that way induced to start here some 8-g- years ago, : and I think the result has been a great benefit to the town and district, by giving us a lift in the early days when the country was scarcely settled. The contractors have chosen this day for commencing this work, because it is the anniversary of the bank’s foundation in the colony, and is therefore auspicious for the purpose. The bank has prospered so well that it is now necessary to erect a larger new building, which I believe will be a magnificent addition to the town, and will give increased confidence to settlers and townsmen alike. I think the bank’s success in this place is greatly owing to the energetic matiager, Mr Christie; and I hope he will dontinne to deserve a large support, and will always be ready to give proper banking facilities to every sound and deserving enterprise in this town and district. As one of the earliest settlers, and as the person who opened the first account with the bank in this town, 1 have much pleasure in declaring this stone well and truly laid* fHear, hear.) We will now drink to the health and prosperous undertaking of the contractors, Messrs Bush and Kendal.

Mr Bush made a short speech, and the affair terminated with drinking of healths and success.

Mr Mahony, bank architect, has arrived from Auckland, and is staying in Patea to inspect the work.

Major Noake went up the Coast today. If it becomes urgent to strengthen the local Volunteers, be will telegraph to Captain Black. The helmets ordered for the Patea Rifles are expected early next month.