LATE SIR JAMES COATES

Reference to the death of Sir James Coates was made at the annual meeting of the South British Insurance Company, Limited, yesterday by the chairman of directors, Mr. Vi J. Lnrner. Sir James had been a member of the board since 1922. "Few men in New Zealand were moro widely known or more highly esteemed, said Mr. Larner. "To Sir James it made no difference whether he was dealing with the highest or the humblest in the land; his geniality and courtesy were unvarying. It was this innate kindliness that won for him such a nign place in the regard of the community. By his death the board has lost ft valued member and the director personally an old and trusted friend.