MARTINS.
Last, but by no means least, must be mentioned the evolution of the old-established business of Martins Bank, which, in its old form was among the oldest of our banking institutions. On the occasion of its fusion some years ago with the Bank of Liverpool—a concern established as far hack as 1831—the style of the bank for a short time became the " Bank of Liverpool and Martins," but following the fashion of short titles it is interesting, to note that the style of the bank to-day has reverted to that of " Martins Bank _Limited." The latest balance-sheet shows deposits of over £76,000,000, while the institution which started with its one office in Lombard Street, now has branches scattered over many parts of the country, the strongholds being in the Midlands and the North. Only during this coming week the magnificent new head offices in Liverpool are to be ready for occupation.
It should be needless to say that the growth in the individual activities and strength of these banking institutions is reflected in the activities of banking as a whole. A century ago the clearings of all bankers' cheques in the course of a year was under £1,000,000 ; the total for last year was no less than £36,000 millions. How greatly this system of deposit and cheque banking has ministered to the growth in the wealth and importance of the country it would be impossible to over-state.
ARTHUR W. KIDDY.
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