AU REVOIR.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 205, 30 August 1926, Page 9

AU REVOIR.

REFORM PARTY LEADER. BANQUETED BY SUPPORTERS. {By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Keporter.j WELLINGTON, this day. On the eve of his departure for the Imperial Conference the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) was entertained at dinner by the Reform members of Parliament on Saturday night, the gathering being presided over by the Minister of Finance (Hon. Downie Stewart.) In proposing the toast of their departing guest and leader Mr. Stewart referred to the conspicuous energy and ability which the Prime Minister had shown since his entry into Dominion politics, and confidently anticipated his return from tie mission upon which he Was now setting out with further proofs that the party and the people of New Zealand had done the right thing in selecting him as a worthy successor to those able men who had represented the Dominion at previous conferences. On rising to respond Mr. Coates was enthustically cheered, and, in a few brief and earnest words, thanked his supporters for their enthusiasm and for the confidence they had placed in him. He trusted he would not disappoint them or the people of New Zealand, either !•• his words or acts in the councils of the Empire. Later in the evening the toast of "Absent Members" was proposed, and in this connection references were made to the sterling character and marked ability shown by Mr. T. D. Burnett, member for Temuka, during his presence in Parliament, and the unanimous wish was expressed for his early return to permanent good health. On behalf of the party Mr. J. S. Dickson (Parnell) presented a travelling rug each to Mr and Mrs. Coates.