Capt. Stileman, of Winchelsea, expressed his approval of Penny Banks, and gave his reasons for such approval. He concluded with proposing three cheers for the ladies who had assisted at the tea, and one for Mr. Lucas-Shadwell. In acknowledging this expression, Mr. Shadwell added a hope that it would not be thought there was any hostility between the Penny Bank and the Savings Bank.
This new institution soon developed into success. In the first week in June there were only 36 accounts open, but by the end of September there were no fewer than 325. From twenty to thirty new accounts were opened each week, and the weekly average of receipts was between £7 and £8. At that time the Bank had become the receptacle of more than £80 of the savings of the poor and their children. There were seven books used in conducting the operations, and each depositor was known by a number and initials only, so as to preserve the secrecy of each depositor’s savings.
Presentations.
On the 13th of August, the Mayor, at his residence, presented to the Rev. Thomas Nightingale on behalf of the leading parishioners of St. Clement’s, a solid silver inkstand of an architectural pattern and figurative design, costing forty guineas, and a beautifully bound copy of a new edition of the Greek Testament in four volumes, as a memento of esteem, on the occasion of his severance with them as the minister of the parish.
The testimonial to Mr. John Woods, late Postmaster, was presented to him on the 10th of September, in the names of the numerous subscribers. The amount presented, after deducting expenses, was £131 8s. 4d. Mr. Woods especially thanked the Mayor for his approval of the movement. Mr. G. Clement, for his proposal of the same, and Mr. Growse for the able manner in which he undertook the management of it.
On the 27th of November, a few friends of Mr. James Ives, the late assistant-overseer, of St. Clements and an active officer of the old Friendly Society, wishing to mark their sense of his estimable character, presented him with a gold chain and locket, previously to his removal to London. Mr. Ive(sic) afterwards returned to Hastings and died at Clive Vale, in 1886, at the age of 84, where his widow also died at a still greater age. (For a sketch of his life and family see “Historico-Biographies”. Vol. 2, page 160)
Mr. Joseph Bannister for his services to the Masonic Derwent Lodge, was presented with a Past-Master’s Jewel on the 8th of July, and the proceeding closed with a banquet at the Swan, in honour of the worthy brother. The “Jewel” was supplied by Mr. Sellman of Norman Road.
