LOOKING AHEAD.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18926, 15 February 1927, Page 9

LOOKING AHEAD.

"FUTURE HOLDS PROSPERITY."

MR COATES OPTIMISTIC,

[THE PRESS Special Service.] WELLISGTOX, February 14. An optimistic speech in regard to the future welfare of New Zealand was made by the Prime Minister (the Eight Hon. Mr Coated in acknowledging the welcome accorded him and Mrs Coates by tho Harbour Board immediately upon his arrival from England this morning. After referring to the pleasure they felt at returning, Mr Coates said that he nnd those associated with him had tried to do their host to uphold the credit of New Zealand wherever thev had been. Whether they had been successful or not others must judge. It was very pleasant as one moved about tho different parts of the world to hear the very delightful terms used by everyone in reference to New Zealand and New Zcalanders. If he had been ablo to strengthen those feelings and place New Zealand in an even more favourable light, the trip to the Conferonce had been of use.

They all knew that there were troubles to be ovorcome, but they were not peculiar to New Zealand. Exactly the same influence had also been disturbing other countries and peoples,'but he thought he could say, without exaggeration, that our little country was a happy and fortunate one. It was necessary, however, to bo ever vigilant, and to make sure that whatever was done was in the interests of the mass of the people of the Dominion. Although thore might be a Blight depression at the present time, ho fully believed we might look to the future with complete confidence. Not that anything extraordinary was going to happen, anything to bring a startling amount of wealth to our country, but he believed the outlook was perfectly safe. Great Britain ■was again getting to work, and just as the British people were able to earn money, so they would be able to purchase our produce. Mr Coates said that that was the opinion h$ was able to express cursorily at the moment, bnt later on he hoped to be able to explain why and how he arrived at his opinion. Provided the country got along without any serious difficulties, he believed New Zealand was in a more fortunate position than probably any other country. Mr Coates said he hoped the Imperial Conference had been able to bring about a better feeling between the different outlying portions of the Empire. He could say definitely, that there was splendid feeling between the various delegates at the Conference when they finished their deliberations, and a determination, so far as practicable, to work together for the good of each and every part of the Empire, with continued and stronger loyalty, if that were possible, to the Crown. Ho sincerely trusted that the people of New Zealand would realise that in the conduct of the Conference the very best intentions were meant. Referring to tho task that lay ahead, the Prime Minister said he trusted that the present year would be a prosperous one. "I believe," he said, "that the future holds forth prosperity, bnt it docs call for effort on the part of everyone. "We have a.wonderful country, a virile, strong, nnd healthy people, and we can make our Dominion what we like, the best country in the wide world."