(Applause.) Mr Wardrop, speaking as a banker of Timaru, also spoke of Mr Black as a business man and a friend. Mr Wardrop wished Mr Black tho greatest success m life, and was sure he would do his best m whatever posi tion ho was called on to fill. (Applause.) Mr Black, on rising to reply, was greeted with great applauso. Hb found himself quita unablo to express the appreciation he felt on receiving their kind presents and remarks, and he hoped they would not consider his want of words as a want of feeling. One thing which reconciled him to leaving limaru wa B tho thought that he was carrying with him tho good wishes of the people m it. (Applause.) He was not speaking only of the clients of ths bank— of those who came m contact with him— but aleo of the vfry many friends that were about him. Although leaving the National Bank after 15 years' service half a business lifetime— ho was proud to be able to say that he was carrying with him the very best wishes of his superior officers. (Applauso.) During tho five years he had been m Timaru he had done his best for the bank, and, according to hia lights, to those connected with it ; and be thought be could conscientiously say that he had endeavoured to do his best among all the customers of the bank— from tho lowliest to the highest. (Ap plause ) He felt that m leaving tho bank he was leaving a considerable part of his life time bohind him. As they were aware he was going to Australia, and wherever he went he assured them that he wonld always look back to his residenco m South Canterbury with fcolings of the greatest pleasure. (Ap plause ) Perhaps he haJ delayed m taking his departure, but ho would always look back on that day as one of tho brightest m his life. He had to thank them very much for their presentation— perhaps tho purao would help him on his waj, and he promised to carry tho testimonial with him to tho grave. He thanked ono and all for their kindooss, and should be be spared to como back to Timaru, ho hoped to nd all woll and uroßpcrouß. Onna more thanking them, Mr Black resumed his teat amid prolongod applause. 