PUBLIC BUSINESS CONTINUING

Southland Times, Issue 24236, 20 September 1940, Page 6

PUBLIC BUSINESS CONTINUING

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND IN LONDON

(United Press Association) WELLINGTON, September 19. Latest cable messages received by the Bank of New Zealand from its London office show that in spite of the air raids public business continues within business hours. Provision was made before the war fqr carrying on in premises secured outside the London area, and duplicates of all records were made and are kept up to date. The management remained in the London premises and conducted business there in the ordinary way, notwithstanding the raids. However, a cablegram from the London manager, Mr D. F. Reid, has been received by Mr Chalmers, the general manager, reading: “No staff casualties. Windows splintered.” The Board of Directors has cabled back expressing relief that the staff escaped injuries and also sent best wishes and thanks to the London staff. The New Zealand staff has informed the directors that it will undertake to look after any children of the London staff that might be sent out. The board has undertaken to take charge of their maintenance if 'necessary. The offer has been acknowledged with sincere thanks, but, for various reasons, the London staff is not prepared to avail itself of it. The London headquarters of the bank are in the very centre of the city, opposite Mansion House and facing the Bank of England.