A Popular Bank Manager.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7914, 1 September 1905, Page 2

A Popular Bank Manager.

Presentation to Mr E. Wastney,

Mr E. ,-Wastney, manager of the National Rank of Now Zealand, has during his sojourn of close on two years at New Plymouth won great popularity both with the business community and in social circles. Intimation recently came to hand of his transfer to Wellington, and in

order to mark the high esteem in which he is held, a large and representative gathering of commercial and professional gentlemen, clients of the bank, assembled in the drawingroom of the Imperial Hotel on Thursday afternoon to make a presentation to Mr Wastney, on the eve of his departure for Wellington. The Mayor (Mr R. Cock) presided, and in a felicitous speecn made the presentation on behalf of the clients of the National Hank, in recognition of the pleasant relations which had always existed between them officially, and the esteem in which he was held during his association with the town. He voiced the general regret felt at Mr Wastney's departure, but ventured the hope that the transfer would prove a step forward in position. The presentation took the form of a valuable gold watch and chain, suitably inscribed as a memento of the occasion.

Mr J. If. Clayton, speaking as a client and one who had known Mr Wastney for some ten or twelve years, paid a warm tribute io his success as an able, zealous, and courteous officer of the bank, and his sterling personal qualities. Although Mr AVastney had had comparatively only a short term of office in New Plymouth, they had fell, that they could not let him depart without some token of esteem, and the singular spontaniety with which the clients had subscribed to the gift was a most pleasing feature, and bore eloquent testimony to the general feeling entertained towards him. Mr Clayton concluded by wishing Mr Wastney all happiness and prosperity in the new sphere to which he was called. Mr W. Fitzherbert, on behalf of the yoanger members present, also expressed the sense of loss felt at Mr Wastney's departure, who, not only in his official capacity, but in social circles, had been a decided acquisition to the town.

Mr W. T>. Webster, as an old client of the bonk, and Mr Geo. Gray also added their tribute, and wished Mr and Mrs Wastncy a happy and prosperous future. The Mayor proposed the health of the guest, which was enthusiastically honoured with the singing of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and cheers.

Mr Wastncy, in reply, assured th< company assembled that he deeply appreciated the kindly spirit, which had actuated the presentation, ana the remarks of the speakers. He was very sorry in many ways to leave New Plymouth, as he had had a very pleasant stay here and made many good friends, customers of the bank and others. He warmly acknowledged the good feeling that had been extended towards him in his business relations with the bank's clients, and the kindly appreciation of his efforts during that time.. He would value the presenta tion very highly as a memento of his pleasant associations with the people of New Plymouth.