VALEDICTORY BANQUET.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 499, 23 January 1920, Page 2

VALEDICTORY BANQUET.

MR. A. SRIGOR. POPULAR BANK MANAGER.

One of the most popular bank managers ever stationed at Pukekohe, Mr. A. Grigor, late manager of the Pukekohe branch of the National Bank, was tendered an appreciative banquet in the Carnival Tea Rooms last night by his professional, business and client friends of Pukekohe, prior to his departure for Palmerston North, where he will hold the important position of manager of the Palmerston branch of the National Bank.

The arrangements for the function, which were in the capable hands of Messrs. F. Perkins and Cecil Roadley, were unusually well devised, and were put into operation with a facility and precision which left 1 no room for doubt about the capacity of the organisers entrusted with the management. The tables were decorated with artistic taste, and a capable and cheerful staff of ladies dispersed the excellent repast in a manner faultless, resulting in the diners being well served in every respect. On entering the banquet hall, the guest cf the evening received a hearty ovation, after which the function commenced by the chairman (His Worship the Mayor of Pukekohe, Mr. C. K. Lawrie) calling for the National Anthem. Tout List. After the usual loyal toast had been honoured, the chairman made a few .'impropriate introductory remarks, lreaklng the ice, as it were. A Fine Personality. The welcome to the guest of the evening was tendered by Mr. H. G R. Mason, who referred to the pri-mitive-looking bank at Pukekohe when Mi 1 . Grigor and he arrived. For instance, he had seen vehicles stuck in the street. There were no conveniences of any sort only nine years ago. Great progress had been made in which the banking institutions were an important feature. The bank which Mr. Giigor represented had very materially helped the place forward. Also, a banker was always a responsible man, looked up to with confidence. Mr. Grigor was a fine example of a banker. All who had come ui contact with him, either in business or social life, spoke very well of fclm. His personal influence had always been on the side of progress, without the taint of extravagance. He was exceedingly sorry Mr. Grigor was leaving, and the district would be the poorer for the loss of a fine personality. Nevertheless, he heartily congratulated the guest on his substantial promotion.

The toast was drank with musical honours.

New Blood W«s<<^ Proposing "Trade of Pukekohe," Mr. E. Allan facetiously remarked that he had been told that Pukekohe was a suburb of the "city of Buckland" (Laughter.) Referring to the main street, the speaker,, in a jest that had some earnestness in it, said that the town was able to raise the loan for the work -because BOtne of the old fellows had died out. (Laughter.) The trade of- Ppkfckohe had made the place known all Over the D<*Qinion, and we should do all in our'jjower, to improve it. If the producer would back and class well the merchants would be able to keep up and raise the standard. In connection with the trade of Pukekohe the name of Jtoulston stood out prominently. Mr. Grigor had done a great deal to foster Pukekohe's trade and to acquire its present enviable position. Pukekohe had not nearly reached its zenith. Some day we would see the Mayor decorated in a golden chain of office and robes. (Laughter and applause.) If the people all pulled together—which {hey did not now do—great strides would be made. The town was not "boosted" enough. One of the finest panoramic views in the district was obtainable from the t'.p of Pukekohe Hill, though some people had never had that view. Also, the Public Library was a disgrace to the town. There should, too, be swimming baths, and a drainage system. The sooner this latter was provided the sooner Pukekohe would increase its population and prosperity.

The Old Days. Responding, Mr. F. Perkins took the mind of the audience back years, when the bush was cleared. He remembered when £2 10s an acre would have bought Aka Aka and Otaua lands. He left this district, but it had a magnetic attraction for him, and he returned. He claimed that he was one of the first to influence the National Bank to open in Pukekohe. He had also carried from the station the first bank money the National Bank had brought here. His own business had increased tenfold in ten years. Pukekohe did trade with the whole Do■minion and beyond, and would increase We were all sorry to lose Mr. Grigor, who had always been most courteous and obliging Everyone of his clients would do anything in reason for Mr. Grigor, whose advice had always been sound. He wished him every happines and advancement for the future. A Good Type. The toast of "The Franklin Courtj Council" was proposed by Mr. H. Armitage, manager of the Waiuku branch of the National Bank, re-j marking on the very striking pro-j gress of the! whole county. The people were to be congratulated on the good type of men who represented them on the council. Sound Advice. The chairman of the Franklin County Council (Mr. W. Claud Motion), responding, referred to the' small road board days, now happily past, all having been merged. (Applause.) Had it not been for the war, the progress already made would be much greater, but the council decided it was best to mark time. On many occasions Mr. Griger had given the council sound advice, and his services would be. missed very much|. But he was very pleased that the principals of the National Bank had appreciated Mr Grigor's able conduct at the Pukekohe branch. (Applause.) Presentation. A presentation to Mr. Grigor, in the form of a beautiful electro*

plated ink-stand, suitably inscribed' together with an exquisite greenstone and silver-mounted pen, with gold nib, was presented by Mr. Perkins, on behalf of the donors.

Gratitude to Public Men.

Replying, Mr. Grigor, after the applause had ceased, said he came to Pukekohe with all his worldly goods in his portmanteau, but he had more to take away now. (Laughter.) He had seen many small businesses grow to big ones, and big ones grow to bigger still. We must not forget the debt of gratitude we owed to the men who had held public positions during the past decade. One fpr instance, Mr. Claud> Motion, was prominent in his mind.' Mr Bert Mellsop had snid that Mr. Motion never lost his temper , during .% discussion, and coolly waited until the excitement at a meeting had died down, and then gave his verdict, a verdict which carried weight The district would do well to retain the services of such an one. (Applause.) Mr. Grigor said he had seen many a cart bogged in the streets of Pukekohe only nine years ago. Our climate had not its equal in the Dominion. The land, he thought, was nothing to boast about but owing to the climate, the land, provided manures were used sufficiently and scientifically, was capable of still greater production. The good feeling which had exissed between the two banks was a happy feature, the two helping one another. He greatly appreciated the honour done him, and would ever remember it. (Loud applause.)

Other toasts were honoured as follows:—

The Professions (Legal and Medical), Mr. A. B. Barter, Mr. P. H. Basley and Dr. Campbell Smith.

Manufacturers of Pukekohe: Mr. W. Johns, Mfl C. Cooper. Finance: Mr. W. Roulston, Messrs. Littlejobn and H. Bockett. Agriculture and Horticulture: Dr. H. C. Wake, Mr. E. Allen. The Auctioneers: Mr. C. K. Lawrie, Mr. J. T. Stembridge. , The Press: Mr. C. Roadley, repreentative of the "Times."

"Resume" by Mr Frank Perkins

A public farewell to Mr., and Mrs. Grigor and family will be tendered at the Premier Hall to-night. Particulars are advertised.