b'An enduring partnership withAustralias first bankIn 1819 George Allens life took an auspicious turn.subsequently George, represented the bank in a diverse Sir Robert Wigram once again showed his support forrange of matters over the years, many critically important Mary Collicott and her family, this time by sending a letterto the banks reputation and growth. These included an to Governor Lachlan Macquarie requesting that Georgeaction by the bank in 1821 against its first cashier, Francis and his brother Richard each receive 100 and a grant ofWilliams, who was found to have embezzled 6,000 by land in New South Wales. It was a time of progress andsetting up fictitious bank accounts. This was an alarming opportunity, and Governor Macquarie approved the request.development for George, whose only money was invested in the bank. He noted at the time, This is bad news to me Land ownership in the young colony created status andas I am a bank proprietor holding one share. Despite the security. George never lived on the land he was granted, butunfortunate issue with its first cashier, the Bank of New those 121 hectares north-west of Parramatta gave him theSouth Wales prospered. means to establish himself in the community.The bank was Georges main client in his early years of George invested the entire 100 from Governor Macquariespractice, providing a steady stream of work on shareholder- grant in a single share in the newly- founded Bank of Newand customer- related matters. George prepared documents South Wales (now Westpac).for the banks board for many years. The relationship was cemented in October 1843 when George was appointed Establishing the bank was part of Governor Macquariesofficial solicitor to the bank. George went on to become a plan to create a dynamic economy and bring much-needed director of the bank and then its president from 1863 to financial order to the colony. The bank provided everyone in1866. He was the first of several Allens partners to servethe colony, from traders to farmers, with a stable monetaryon the banks board of directors.system, a local source of credit and a safe place for deposits. It was not in Georges nature to take a gamble. He clearlyThe association between Westpac and Allens continues believed in this fledgling venture. today and is one of the most enduring commercial relationships in Australia.Frederick Garling managed the banks early legal work and helped write the rules under which it operated. Garling, and Establishing the bank was part of Governor Macquaries planto create a dynamic economy and bring much-needed financial order to the colony.13'