COATES MEMORIAL CHURCH

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26126, 31 May 1950, Page 2

COATES MEMORIAL CHURCH

OPENING CEREMONY PERFORMED TRIBUTES TO LIFE OF PUBLIC SERVICE “T/ie Press” Special Service AUCKLAND, May 28. With a simple and brief ceremony, the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) officiallv opened and dedicated the Coates Memorial Church at Matakohe on Saturday. Held on the seventh anniversary of the death of Mr J. G. Coates, the function was attended by Cabinet Ministers, members of Parliament, leading churchmen, and citizens, and representatives of servicemen’s organisations and federations of Maori tribes from throughout the Dominion. Hundreds of residents of the Matakohe district, who had known Mr Coates from boyhood were also pfesent. Situated on a hill in the Matakohe cemetery, with a commanding view of the Matakohe valley and the upper reaches of the Kaipara harbour, the small church, with its steeple, is a fine landmark in Mr Coates’ home district and was a fitting background for the impressive opening ceremony. On his arrival at the churchyard Mr Holland met members of Mr Coates’ family and laid a wreath on Mr Coates’ grave. Other floral tributes were also laid. “This beautiful church in the area where Mr Coates was born, and where he laboured and grew to manhood, and where he commenced the life of pub lie service that led him to the ranks of politicians and the high flights of statesmen is a fitting tribute to his memory,’’ said Mr Holland in his address. “Gordon Coates, as so many of us know him, had a very distinguished record of service in many fields of public service, but one quality was common to all. He desired to serve to the best of his ability the people whose confidence he enjoyed. “Mr Coates will always be remem berefi for his brilliant military career, first as a distinguished leader of the volunteers, and then when he answered the call of country and Empire, he served with great distinction in the first war. He was twice wounded and twice decorated by His Majesty for outstanding gallantry on the field of battle. “In the field of politics, he reached the highest office in the land—Prime Minister of his country. He gave to his native land more than 40 of the best years of his life, and to-day his friends and those who appreciate his services have gathered to perform an act of gratitude and commemoration, to ’dedicate the church near where he rests that will, through the years, keep his memory evergreen.” Mr Holland added that it was proper to say that his friend, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Fraser) and his Government had authorised the erection of the memorial. The thanks of the nation were due to Mr Fraser for his- conception of the memorial and its erection. Mr Fraser’s Address “From as far north as Kaitaia to as far south as Invercargill, friends and admirers of Mr Coates have gathered in his native place to pay tribute to him,” said Mr Fraser in nis address. “The returned soldiers sent their president, Sir Howard Kippenberger, to Cais ceremony and all will be present in spirit to honour a great man.” Mr Fraser recalled how Mr Coates was always ready to help where the country’s interests were concerned and said that Mr Coates’s action of crossing the House oi Representatives to offer his help after the declaration of war with Germany was a great event in the history of New Zealand. Mr Coates had worked day and night on missions to Australia, Canada, and the United States, and wherever his skill and experience and ability were needed, and the sudden tragedy of his death in 1943 was an overwhelming blow to New Zealand at a critical period of the war.” A stained glass memorial window with the text “In war. strong; in counsel, wise,” and a bronze plaque were unveiled by the Prime Minister in the porch of the church.