TRIBUTES PAID.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 243, 14 October 1935, Page 12

TRIBUTES PAID.

SIR JAMES COATES.

FUNERAL AT AUCKLAND.

CARS PILED WITH WREATHS.

The widespread regret felt at the passing of one of Auckland's most distinguished and popular figures was shown by the large gathering of representative citizens that attended the funeral service and interment of the late Sir James Coates yesterday afternoon. Floral tributes were received from many parts of the Dominion, and two motor cars were required to convey them to the Purewa cemetery.

The interment was preceded by a service in St. Mary's Cathedral, and in the congregation were the Auckland managers and many present anil former officers of the six banks trading in New Zealand, representatives of other financial institutions, clubs, and sports bodies. The service was conducted by Archbishop Averill, with whom were Archdeacons G. Mac Murray, and W. J. Simkin, Canons W. Faneourt, and K 11. Strong, and the Rev. S. X. Spence. The principal mourners were Mr. R. <7. Coates and Mr. N. W Nelson, nephews, Mrs. E. 11. B. Milsom, a niece,. Mrs. R. J. Coates, and Dr. E. 11. B. Milsom. Sir James' Fine Character. liigli tributes were paid to Sir James by Canon Fancourtj who delivered the address. They had met, he said, to pay a last tribute to one whom they had loved and respected, and wlio, in the financial world, had been a leader to many present. Canon Faneourt added that he would not refer to Sir James' remarkable talents, his great work, and all that lie had done to serve the Dominion, for, as his vicar for six years, he would prefer to speak of his character. lie had, however, begun his career as a cadet at the age of 18, and had carried through to the highest position that his bank had to offer. Sir James' outstanding quality was uprightness, but his courtesy gave him his greatest charm. The best tribute that they could pay him-would he to imitate his patience, geniality, and power of affection. 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 hia fellow-men was hallowed and sanctified by deep faith in God, the

habit of prayer and iove of his Church They lifted up their hearts that day to one who had entered another life where his talents and gifts would be used to a higher degree. The reward for servicc was always higher service. Sir James had left his character for their example, and his good works remained with them! Prominent Citizens Present. • It had been the intention of the Minister of Finance, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, to represent the Government, but unfortunately he missed the vehicular ferry at Devonport. He was, therefore, represented by his private secretary, Mr. T. R. Aickin. The National Bank was represented by Sir James Grose, general manager, Mr. T. H. Easdown, Auckland manager, Mr. W. Monk, and Mr. J. McLean. The citizens of Auckland were represented by the Mayor, Mv. Ernest Davis, and the town clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham, while Mr. C. G. Macindoe (chairman) and Mr. M. 11. Wynyard attended for the Harbour Board. The cortege consisted of nearly 40 motor cars, and the service at the graveside was performed by Canon Faneourt. Organisations were represented us follows:— 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. \V. Perkins. Ne«.v 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. R. N. Russell, Mr. W. R. Wuson, -Air. 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, preside it, Mr. L. T. Symes, vice-president and rnanv members. Auckland Club: Mr. 11. Giifillan, president. Royal Empire Society, Auckland branch: Professor F. P. VVorley and Mr. N. R. W. Thomas Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron: Mr. *M. K. Draflin, vice-commodore, Mr. W. J. Hicks, secretary, and Mr. .1. H Frater, ex-commodore. St. George's Rowing Club: The Rev. R. G. Coats, vice-presi-dent. Auckland Cricket Association: Mr. F. Earl, K.C., president, Mr. J. 11. Watts, treasurer, and Mr. W. R. Fee.

Others present were: The lion. E. R. Davis, M.L.C., Mr. W. P. Endim, 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. Captain Montague Polley, Mr. Sydney Thorne George, Mr. Murray Thome George, Canon C. A. B. Watson, Mr. C. J. Tunks and the Rev. H. It Vickery. Tributes By "Diggers." Wreaths were sent by many organisations and private individuals, and on the coffin there was one of poppies and laurel. This had been forwarded by the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association in grafiul remembrance of all that Sir James had done through the New Zealand Soldiers' Clrb to help and entertain in Loudon during the Great War. The senders of wreaths included the folio win?: —The Auckland branch of the Royal Empire Socicty, the directors of the New Zealand Insurance Company, the general manager and head office staff of the company, the members of the Northern Club, the directors and officers of the 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 tMe South British Insurance Company, the chairman and directors of the Guardian Trust, and the manager and staff", the directors and manager of the Pevonport Steam Ferry Company, Limited

The St. George's Rowing Club, the Anniversary Regatta Committee, the Auckland Cricket Association, an behalf of the cricketers of Auckland, the Auckland Racing Club, the flag orticers and members of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the staff and bciys of King's College, the directors of New Zealand Newspapers, Limited, the churchwardens and vestry of St. Mary's, Parnell, the vicar and wardens of St. Paul'ii Church.