Valedictory.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 7365, 12 November 1898, Page 1

Valedictory.

Mr C. E. Thomson, who has been manager of tbe local branch of the Bank of New Zealand for some time, and formerly manager of the Colonial Bank, left this afternoon for the north to take charge of the Hamilton branch of the Bank. Yesterday afternoon a number of clients of the Bank and friends of Mr and Mrs Thompson met at the Athenasum Hall to bid them farewell, and to hand to them mementos of their sojourn in Oamaru. The presentation consisted of a case of serviette rings, card case, crystal and silver salt cellars, hair brush, half-dozen afternoon teaspoons,! half-dozen teaspoons, smelling ealts bottle, pencil and pen, all in solid Bilver, and a set of carvers, solid ivory handles and solid silver mounts.

Mr W. Waddell presided, and said that when ib was first mentioned that Mr Thomson was to be transferred elsewhere it was hoped that the report was incorrecb; but when his successor arrived that hope vanished, and they realised that Mr Thomson was really going. Why the change was made they knew not, but he supposed that the directors deemed Hamilton in need of a good bank manager who would work up the business. Hamilton's gain was, however, Oamaru's loss. He had been asked to make a presentation on behalf of a number of Mr Thomson's friends, and he did so with pleasure alloyed by regret at the loss they all felt. Mr Thomson had come here when bank matters were in a bad state, and now that things were going on so well the? regretted that he should have received orders of removal. If at any time the bank authorities deemed another change Decesßsry he hoped they would send Mr Thomson back to Oamaru. He hoped that Mr and Mrs Thomson would keep Oamaru in their remembrance, and think .of the friends they had made here. As he understood that bank officials could not receive a present, he asked Mrs Thomson to accept the proferred gifts as mementos of the eßteem and respect in which she and her husband were held in Oamaru. Dr Garland referred to the occasion as a sad one, for Mr and Mrs Thomson had endeared themselves to the people of Oamaru. His relations with Mr Thomson had always been of a private character, buti he was sure that if that gentleman had had occasion to remind him that his account was overdrawn he would have done so in a manner that he could not but appreciate. He felt sure that the gifts would be valued as tokens of the regard in which they were held. ...

Mr W. H. Rose said that he had had both private and business relations with Mr Thomson, and had also been associated with him in church work. He coald therefore speak from experience, which had at all times been very pleasant. The same feeling, he found, prevailed amongst those who had subscribed to the presentation. He felt sure that Mr and Mrs Thomson would be able to look back with pleasure to the days they had spent in Oamaru. They all wished them a safe journey and a pleasant settlement when they reaohed their destmatl°Mr M'Douall expressed the regret he felt at Mr and Mrs Thomson's removal from Oamaru. He knew that they would not forget Oamaru, and their friends would nob forget them. Their departure was a loss to the town and to each of them personally. _ Mr Patterson added his tribute of regard and regret, and wished Mr and Mrs Thomson long life and happiness where they were S °Mr Thomson, replying on behalf of Mrs Thomson and himHelf, said that he did not know how to find words to express their thanks for the kindly things that had been said about them. They had come to Oamaru a few yearß ago perfect strangers, and had formed friendships which they would cherish. They were not likely to forget any one of them there, but if they were inclined to relapse the handsome gift accompanied their assurances would be a constant remembrancer. The distance to which he was being removed was a bar to their meeting again bood, but he Btill hoped to see them some day. They would cherish throughout their lives the tokens of their good-will, which would often bring back to mind the friends they were leaving in Oamaru. The Chairman mentioned that several friends had sent apologies for non-attend-ance, including Mr John Reid, of Elderslie, and Mr Holmes. :He wished Mr and Mrs Thomson a pleasant journey, and new friendships where they were going. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the proceedings. ' The presents were procured from Messrs G. andT. doling and Mr J;'Moss.