LATE SIR J. COATES

HONOURED CITIZEN TRIBUTES AT FUNERAL LARGE GATHERING PRESENT The respect and affection which the Into Sir James Coatcs had won in his long and distinguished career as a banker, and equally as a citizen of Auckland, his native city, were shown by the large and very representative gathering that attended the funeral service in St. Mary's Cathedral yesterday afternoon and the interment at Purewa. In the congregation were the Auckland managers and many present and former officers of the six hanks trading in New Zealand, representatives of other financial institutions, clubs and sports bodies of which Sir James had been a member or to which ho had given his patronage.

The principal mourners were Mr. R. J. Coates and Mr. N. W. Nelson, nephews, Mrs. E. H. B, Milsom, niece, Mrs. R. J. Coates and Dr. E. H. B. Milsom.

The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister of Finance, had intended to come from North Auckland to be present on behalf of the Government, but unfortunately he missed the vehicular ferry at Devonport. He was represented by his private secretary, Mr. T. R. Aickin. The National Bank was represented bv Sir James Grose, general manager, Mr. T. H. Easdown, Auckland manager, Mr. W. Monk and Mr. J. McLean.

The Mayor. Mr. Ernest Davis, and the town clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham, were present on behalf of the citizens of Auckland, and Mr. C. G. Macindoe, chairman, and Mr. M. H. Wynvard, for the Auckland Harbour Board. Returned Soldiers' Tribute

The wreaths placed upon the coffin included one of poppies and laurel| sent by the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association in grateful remembrance of all that Sir James Coates had done through the New Zealand boldiers' Club to help and entertain "diggers" in London during the Great War. The service in the cathedral was conducted by Archbishop Averill, with whom were Archdeacons G. Mac Murray and W. J. Simkin, Canons W. Fancourt and E. H. Strong, and the Rev. S. N. Spence. Canon Fancourt, in an address, said they had met to pay a last tribute to one whom they had loved and respected, and who in the financial world had been a leader to many present. He would not speak of Sir .James remarkable talents', his great work and all that he had done to serve his native country in his long career, begun as a cadet of 18 and carried through to the highest position that his bank had to offer. Uprightness and Courtesy "As his vicar for six years," continued the canon, "I would rather speak of his character. His outstanding quality—one that went through and through him —was uprightness. Nothing tnat might steer him from that course was tolerated or held by him; he took the straight course always. What gave him his greatest charm was his courtesy. As a young clerk he had learned to give patient attention to the troublesome client with whom no one else would willingly deal and this practice he had carried with him all through his public life. The best tribute that we could pay him would be to imitate his patience, geniality and power of affection." To every good cause Sir James was sympathetic and generous with what God had given him, and no one who made a worthy appeal went away empty-handed. His love for his fellowmen was hallowed and sanctified by deep faith in God, the habit of prayer and love for his Church. "We lift up our hearts to-day to one who has entered another life, where his talents and gifts will be used to a higher degree," Canon Fancourt ended. |'The reward for service is always higher service. He has left his character for our example, and his good works remain with us." Many Organisations Represented Nearly 40 motor-cars formed the cortege to Purewa Cemetery, where the last rites were performed by Canon Fancourt.

The following organisations were represented:—Bank of New Zealand: Mr. W. G. Miller, manager. Bank of New South Wales: Mr. F. D. McGovern, manager. Commercial Bank of Australia: Mr. J. W. M. Edwards, manager. Bank of Australasia: Mr. R. N. K. Swanston. Auckland Savings Bank: Mr. E. A. Brown, president, Mr. F. E. Sutherland, manager. Dalgety and Company, Limited: Mr. A. W. Perkins.

New Zealand Insurance Company.— Sir Henry Horton, deputy-chairman, Sir George Wilson and Mr. F. A. Hellaby, directors. South British Insurance Company: Mr. V. J. Larner, chairman of "directors, Mr. E. I?. N. Russell, Mr. W. R. Wilson, Mr. K. B. Myers, Mr. S. Austin Carr, directors, Mr. J. Morton, general manager. Mr. J. M. Stokes, secretary. Guardian Trust: Mr. R. F. Ward, manager. Australian Mutual Provident Society: Mr. C. G. Johnston. Northern Club.—Sir Alexander Herdman, president, Mr. L. T. Symes, vicepresident, and many members. Auckland Club: Mr. H. Gilfillan, president. Royal Empire Society, Auckland branch: Professor F. P. Worley and Mr. N. R. W. Thomas.

Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. —Mr. 51. K. Draffin, vice-commo-dore, Mr. W. J. Hicks, secretary, and Mr. J. H. Frater, ex-commodore. St. George's Rowing Club: The Rev. R. G. Coats, vice-president. Auckland Cricket Association: Mr. F. Earl, K.C., president, Mr. J. H. Watts, treasurer, and Mr. W. R. Fee. Many Wreaths Sent Among many others present were:— The Hon. E. R. Davis, M.L.C., Mr. W. P. Endean, M.P., Sir Walter Stringer, Sir George Richardson, Mr. A. H. Johnstone, K.C., Mr. E. Anderson, Mr. T. A. Low, Mr. G. S. Kent, Mr. Douglas Hay, Mr. Carlton Hay, Mr. H. Bullock Webster, Mr. R. P. Towle, Dr. A. G. Talbot, Dr. E. Roberton, Commander B. L. Hewitt, Mr. Sydney Thorne George, Mr. Murray Thorne George, Canon C. A". B. Watson, Mr. C. J. Tunks, and the Rev. H. K. Vickery. Among the senders of the many wreaths, which filled two motor-cars, were the following:—The Auckland branch of the Royal Empire Society, the directors of the New Zealand Insurance Company, the general manager and head office staff of tho company, the members of tho Northern Club, tiie directors and officers of tho National Bank of New Zealand, the manager and staff of the Bank of New South Wales, the president and members of the Auckland Club, the directors and general manager of the South British Insurance Company, the chairman and directors of the Guardian Trust, and the manager and staff, the directors and manager of the Dovonport Steam Ferry Company, Limited. The St. George's Rowing Club, the Anniversary Regatta Committee, tho Auckland Cricket Association, on behalf of the . cricketers of Auckland, the Auckland Racing Club, the flag officers and members of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the staff and bovs of King's College, tho directors of New Zealand Newspapers, Limited, the churchwardens and vestry of St. Mary's, Parnell, the vicar and wardens of St. Paul's Church.