RECOGNITION OF SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 6, 2 October 1929, Page 12

RECOGNITION OF SERVICE

MR. E. A. JAMES HONOURED

CONFIDENCE IN MR COATES

Members of the Reform Party gathered in the Opposition Whips’ room at Parliament House last night to do honour to Mr. E. A. James, Dominion secretary of the" New Zealand Political Reform League, who has retired. The Leader of the Opposition (Right Hon. J. G. Coates)

presided. Presenting Mr. James with a token of esteem in the shape of a silver tea service, Mr. Coates referred to the long association Mr. James had had with the executive side of the Reform organisation and to the valuable services he had rendered, dating back to 1906. All would regret that Mr. James was retiring. His work would not be forgotten: it would stand as an inspiration to those who followed. He proposed the toast of success and longevity to the guest of honour. The toast was supported by several other members, all of whom testified to the assistance they had received from Mr. James in his official capacity and to the work he had performed for the party. In the course of a feeling response, Mr. James said he had never had occasion to regret his association with a party which had always had as its aim the maintenance of good government in the interests of the people. The present leader, Mr. Coates, had carried on the traditions and principles of the late Mr. Massey, and the time would come when he would be again at the head of the country’s affairs. Mr. James said that the Reform Party had a history, and in the leisure hours of his retirement he would possibly undertake to write it. He commended to the party’s co-operation the new secretary, Mr. Mander. The toast of Dlr. Coates was proposed by Mr. W. H. Field (Otaki), who said that the party had the utmost confidence in the ability of their esteemed leader to lead the Reform forces to victory. Mr. Coates could rest assured that his supporters were behind him to a man. 4

Responding, Mr. Coates said that in the future, as in the past, the policy of the Reform Party would be directed and developed in the interests of all sections of ithe community, from the highest to the most humble of citizens. The people of New Zealand required no reminder that whatever action the Reform Party took in the near or distant future, it would be for the benefit of the whole of New. Zealand, and not just a part or section of it.

The gathering closed with cheers for Mr. Coates and Sir. James, and the singing of “For They are Jolly Good Fellows.”