POPULAR BANKER

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1940, Page 8

POPULAR BANKER

TRIBUTE AT URENUI The high placs that Mr. J. W. Hamlin, manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Waitara during the past 14£ years, had gained in the esteem of settlers and business people from. Waitara to beyond Mokau was demonstrated by the representative gathering at Urenui hall last night to farewell him on his retirement to live at Auckland. There were over 100 present, comprising settlers and business people of the Tikorangi, Onaero, Urenui, Waitoitoi, Pukearuhe antj Uruti districts. Mr. H. A. Foreman, cliairman of tlie Clifton County Council, presided. Mr. Harnlin had gained and retained respect and esteem, said the chairman in proposing the toast of "the guest." Mr. Hamlin, while he might not be able to handle a hillside plough, fence or milk a cow, had a sound knowledge of farming ahd had always done all he could to assist the men on the land. If a mgh ; wanted/ advice. he could not do better than place all his cards on the tsfble before his banker, whose training enablod him to give useful advice, said the chairman. It was a pity that the services of a man with so many years of usefulness before him could not be retained in the district in an advisory capacity. He wished Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin happiness in their retirement. From association with Mr. Hamlin in business and on the bowling green, he appreciated the worth of their guest, remarked Mr. H. M. Purdie. who on behalf of the North Taranaki Co-op. Dairy Company expressed appreciation of the courteous treatment always received. He expressed the hope that the same happy relationship would continue with the new manager, Mr. Edwards. Mr. C. Foreman, chairman of the Tikorangi Co-op. Dairy Co„ remarked that the gathering was a tribute of which their guest could feel proud. Mr. Hamlin had given every request for accommodation by farmers, whether in good or lean times, full consideration. Mr. Geo. Baker, chairman of. the Waitoitoi Dairy Co., paid a tribute to the ability of Mr. Hamlin and his judgment as to whether a man was a trier, which enabled him to satisfy his institution and his clients. The relations between their bank manager and the company as well as backblock farmers to whom he had been a friend, particularly during the depression, were always happy, .said Mr. W. Lawrence, chairman of the Uruti Co-op. Dairy Co. He had always found Mr. Hamlin most cpurteous and obliging, said Mr- F. Healey, in extending to Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin best wishes in their retirement on behalf of the people of Urenui. . On ; behalf of ■ residents of North Taranaki the chairman presented Mr. Hamlin with a case of. pipes. Appreciation of the attendance was expressed by Mr. Hamlin, who said that he had endeavoured to do his duty. He thanked Mr. Lye for his reference to his son, Sergeant-Pilot G. Hfmlin, and thanked the other speakers for their complimentary remarks. He. had had practical experience of dairy . farming before joining the bcink and if his advice had been of any assistarice, he was pleased. He commented . on progress made by the dairy companies in the district. He looked forward to. visiting Taranaki frequently. Mr. Hamlin asked the same. loyal support for his successor, Mr. H. G. Edwards, who was welcomed by the gathering. Other toasts were: The. Arniy, Navy and Air Force (Mr. W. J. Freeth— Mr. E. L. Lye); The Dairying Industry (Mr. H. M. Purdie— Mr. C. Foreman); The Farmers' Union (Mr. D .L. Tate — Mr. L. A. Alexander); The Staff of the Bank (Mr. W. Fuller— Mr. W. Thomson); The Entertainers (Mr. L. A. Alexander Mr, J. R. G. Sutherland) ; The Press t Mr. S, A. Managh) ; and The Ladies (Mr.| E. S. Elliot— Mr. T. J. O'Riordan). In a musical programme songs were given by Messrs. A. Langridge and J. R G. Sutherland, who also le'd community singing, and comet solos • by Mr. E Melody. Mr. Sutherland • was -the accompanist. The committee comprised Messrs. H. A Foreman (chairman), L. A. Aleixander C. Foreman, E. L. Lye, F. Healey, E. S Elliot, S. A. Managh, G. Baker and G N. Fuller (hon. secretary).