POPULAR BANKER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 November 1940, Page 4

POPULAR BANKER

MR W. A. TODD FAREWELLED. SUCCESSOR WELCOMED. At a largely attended gathering representative of all sections of the community at the Bank of .New Zealand yesterday afternoon, clients of the bank farewelled Mr W. A. Todd (retiring manager) and extended a welcome to his successor, Mr E. Heffer. Mr J. H. Cunningham presided. He explained that the function had not been held on the actual date of Mr Todd’s retirement, as October 31 had been a public holiday. Mr IV. I. Armstrong, representing the farming community, wished Mr Todd, his wife and family health and happiness for the rest of their stay in Masterton. On behalf of the professions, Mr H. M. Boddington spoke briefly. He referred to his long association with the Bank of New Zealand extending over the past fifty years. All, he said, could look back on Mr Todd’s stay in Masterton with pleasure, and it was matter for congratulation that Mr Todd would continue to reside in Masterton. “On behalf of the clients I have pleasure in asking you to accept this cheque,” Mr Cunningham said, in conveying the best wishes of all clients to Mr Todd on his retirement. Mr Cunningham paid tribute to Mr Todd’s qualities both personally and as • a client. Mr Todd was accorded musical honours.

In reply Mr Todd returned thanks for the sentiments expressed by speakers, and in particular for the reference made to his wife and family. He stated that of his 44 years of service he had spent 11 years in Masterton. "I am also happy to say,” he added, “that when I commenced as a junior at Waipawa, Mr D. M, Graham was manager of the Bank of Australasia. It gives me great pleasure to see him among us today.” Mr E. M. Hodder extended a warm welcome to Mr E. H. Heffer, who has taken up his duties as manager, and stated that during Mr Heller's previous stays in Masterton he had taken a keen interest in community affairs. He was confident that Mr Heffer would carry on the high standards' set by previous managers. Mr Heffer was also accorded musical honours. “I feel that coming here is akin to coming home,” said Mr Heffer. He added that he had been teller at the Masterton bank 26 years ago. Since then he had carried out the duties of accountant, making a total of thirteen years’ service in Masterton. He added that he would do his best to give clients the best possible service and thanked all present for their cordial welcome. An apology for absence was received from Mr V. E. Donald.