MR COATES FAREWELLED

Evening Star, Issue 21138, 25 June 1932, Page 3

MR COATES FAREWELLED

NEW ZEALAND'S SURPLUS PRODUCTS DTTAWA MAY SHOW WAY OF DISPOSAL On the eve of their departure for ihe Ottawa Conference, the Minister of Public Works (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) and Mrs Coates were accorded a farewell by a large gathering at the Reform Club this evening. Eulogistic references were made to Mr Coates’s long public service, and best wishes were extended him for a succssful mission on behalf of the dominion. Mr H. Johnston. K.C., presided. Mr Coates said that during the last year or so, particularly during the last year, he could not say that ho had received a great deal of encouragement in his work on behalf of the country except from those who were his friends. Criticism was to bo expected, but be was inclined to think that some of r.he criticism, rather than being helpfully meant, had been for the purpose ol distracting the public mind from the main problems and issues before the country. After reviewing the unemployment problem as it existed in the dominion to-day and detailing the relief measures planned for the near future, Mr Coates said it was essential to get to the source of the trouble. Therein lay the great importance of the Ottawa Conference. It represented a possible solution of the country’s problems, and no energy should be spared, no stone left unturned, to remedy the position by united Empire action. In discussing the policy to be adopted at Ottawa, he had held very definite views, and had expressed them plainly to his col leagues. The decisions come to had the full support of his colleagues, and ho wished to express his appreciation ol the confidence reposed in him and the support given by Cabinet. The outstanding task before the Ottawa Con ferenee was that of knitting the constituent . parts of the Empire more closely together in commerce. The ideal of a strongly united British Empire was firmly implanted in the breasts ol the people, but in the past this unity had depended largely upon the “ thin red line ” of the blood ties, sentiment, and solidarity of the far-flung British institutions, “ Jn this time of crisis it can bo that tiic unity of flic Empire will be si ill further promoted and cemented by the establishing, or at least, laying ibe foundations, of closer trade relationships.” said Mr Coates. “We must understand each other’s problems, give and secure trade preferences, and, while showing the world that the Em-

pin,* is capable of meeting the situation by united action, bear always in mind that the problem is a world one to be mot ultimately by the nations of the world. Whatever be the cause of tlie crisis, if the Empire can show the world a solution, or a partial solution, of the difficulties facing it, as well as e\orv other nation, then surely wo should not hesitate or be half-hearted in tile co-operation we lend to the common cause at the Ottawa Conference.”

The immediate problem, proceeded Mr Coates, was a serious one for New Zealand. Frankly, tlie position was that the Government was not certain ns to how much longer Britain could absorb the country’s surplus products If arrangements could be made at Ot tawa for the absorption of this surplus under suitable conditions by other Em pire markets the most urgent task would be accomplished. Ho could say quite plainly that the immediate out look for the dominion’s products was not a satisfactory one, but successful negotiations at Ottawa would show the way to a better future. On helm 11 of tile Reform Club, i lie Ladies’ Anxiiiaiy of flic llefonii League and the members of the Junior Reform Teague Mr Coates was presented with a set of pipes and a morocco handbag lor Mrs Coates.