A PLEASING FUNCTION

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 6 March 1913, Page 5

A PLEASING FUNCTION

SEND OFF TO MB W. H. P. HODGKINS. AND WELCOME TO HIS SUCCESSOR. A large number of business men of Masterton and clients of the Baxtk of New South Wales, assembled in the manager's room at the Bank .yesterday afternoon to say good-bye to Mr ,W. H. P. Hodgkins. who lias been transferred to Tamworth, in New South Wales. In the unavoidable absence of His {Worship the Mayor (Mr J. M. Coia■dine), who sent an apology, Mr James Brown presided. Mr Brown said that it had been felt 'by the clients of the Hank that they •could not allow Mr Hodgkins to depart without expressing to him in Komo slight manner their, appreciation of his uniform courtesy and his public-spiritedness. They all felt that, in losing Mr Hodgkins, they were losing a personal friend. Although lie had been only a comparatively short time in the district, he .had made himself universally popular. His many friends would regret his departure, but, at the same time, they would rejoice to know that his transfer meant promotion. Mr Brown then asked Mr Hodgkins to accept a silver entree dish and a case of seven pipes as a small token of osteem, together with a tostiiwomal signed by clients of the Bank. The entree dish was inscribed as follows: "To W. H. P. Hodgkins, Esq.. from a few Masterton clients of the Bank." The testimonial read as follows: —■

"As clients of the Bank of .New South Wales in Masterton, wo desire most heartily to congratulate yon on your promotion, in the Bank's service to a more responsible position in New South Wales. Whilst sincerely regretting your departure from Masterton, where you have made many friends, we can assure you of our personal interest in your future welfare, and in asking you to accept the accompanying memento of your stay in Masterton, trust it will remind you of the nuiny happy days spent here. We hope, in conclusion, that the future may bring to yoii and yours much happiness and good health." Mr W. B. Chennells endorsed the remarks of the. chairman. He said thoy were all sorry to lose Mr Hodgkins, but they hoped he was going to a better place. If he should ever return, they trusted it would be as an inspector of the Bank. Mr 11. U. Harden, as an old banker, congratulated. Mr Hodgkins on his promotion, and wished him all health and, prosperity. At the same time he expressed Sincere regret at Mr Hodgkins departure.

Mr Hodgkins, who spoke feelingly, said he could not express the pleasure he felt at the realisation that during his short stay in Masterton he had been able to gain the good wishes of so many friends. He was leaving with very sincere regret, and it was painful.to him to have to , s ay goodbye. He had joined several clubs dur-ing-his stay in Masterton, but he had done so for his own selfish ends, and he had got more out of them than they had got out of him, (No! No!) Ho was sorry that he had not been able to take a more active part in the affairs of the town. On' behalf of Mrs Hodgkins and himself, he returned his sincere thanks for the kind presents and testimonial, which he •would always retain in recollection of the pleasant days .spent in Masterton. In conclusion he asked that the same - kind feeling be extended to his successor as had been shown himself. (Applause.) Mr James Brown then extended a cordial welcome to the town to Mr E. P. Mount-fort, the successor to Mr Hodgkins. Tn acknowledging the welcome, Mr "Moun+fort said he had known Mr Hodgkins for a number of years, and had always found him "a i/dlv good fellow." He kn°w that, in following ihim. he had a difficult task: but he •promised to do his best. _ He hoped that when it came to his turn to leave, the clients of th° Bank would be able to say one-Half the good things nlvMif, h'm they had said aV"t Mr Hodgkins. (Applause.) The company then adjourned to the Kia Ora tea-rooms, where afternoon tea was partaken of. and M" Hodgkins was given a final farewell.