THE NATIONAL BANK.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 24, 21 August 1912, Page 1

THE NATIONAL BANK.

New Building in Pukekohe. Laying the Foundation Stone. The foundations of the two-storey brick building, to be erected in Kingstreet for tho National Bank of Now Zealand, are now completed. On Wednesday afternoon a group of townspeople assemble! at the site to honour the laying of the foundation stone. This ceremony was performed bv the bank manager, Mr Grigor, to whom the trowel was handed, in an appropriate speech, by Mr A. B. Barter. Mr Grigor referred to the great progress that had been made since he first established the branch here, and he was glad to be able to give the assurance that the business of the bank would be as well and truly conducted as they had that day laid the foundation stone. Mr F. Perkins, in wishing the bmk success, s&id they did not imagine eighteen months ago that to-day they would have two such bank buildings in Pukekohe, or that there would be so much business for them. Mr Barter spoke in a similar strain, and complimented Mr Grigor upon the good work he had done. The contractor (Mr Hewson) said that when finished the building would be the best in Pukekohe. An adjournment was made to the bank manager's residence, when Mr Grigor's health was enthusiastically honoured on Mr Roulston's motion. Both Mr Grigor and his assistant, Mr Hunter, had done good work in the town, and by actively identifying themselves with various sports had added to the general progress. In replying Mr Grigor spoke of the warm-hearted assistance that had been rendered to him by townspeople and the people of the district "Commercial Interests" was proposed by Mr Grigor and responded to by Messrs Perkins and Roulston, the latter of whom expressed the hope that before long the old buildings at he lower end of King-street would be wiped aside. Mr Barter proposed, " one of the most popular of the builders in the district, Mr Hewson." Although Mr. Hewson's tender was not the lowest; he said, the authorities realised that a good contractor was desirable, and by giving Mr Howson the work had given evidence that they were confident of getting a creditable job. Mr Hewson's reply was appropriate. " The Press" was proposed by Messrs Barter and Roulston, who spoke in congratulatory terms of the work boing done for the district by the Times. This toast brought a very pleasant little gathering to a close.