“LET US BE MERRY.”

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10733, 2 November 1928, Page 8

“LET US BE MERRY.”

AIR COATES ON UNIT EDS’ POLICY. \

POSTERITY CAN HAVE THE HEADACHE. ' (Special To The Times). AUCKLAND. Oct, 29. Before commenting on the United Party’s platform at his meeting in tlie Town Hall, tlie Prime Minister expressed his deepest sympathy with Sir Joseph AVnrd in his illness and wished him a speedy recovery. As for tlie difficulties of that party, ho amused the audience by quoting editorial opinion concerning the efforts of the Liberals to find a policy to go to the country with, in 1914. The quotation was apt as' reirnrds the emergence of the United ’Party and their loader. .Mr Coates said that tlie only respectable parts of the long-deferred policy were those which promised a continuation of the Government’s good work. The other things were merely blatant electioneering, one of the most desperate bids for power ever made, in the country. The Unitods had searched everywhere tor a leader, and had; at last, put their hopo in Sir Joseph Word, expecting that he might startle New Zealand. “Sir Joseph Ward,” Air _ Coates said, “rose to the expectations alright, He gave New Zealand the biggest fright it has had lor many years.” The .safly was applauded bv Reformers, the Uniteds dissented, and Labor in the “gods” remained silent.

“The Uniteds,” Mr Coates added, “a io saying. ‘Let us eat, drink and lie merry with the other '.fellows’ financial champagne, and let. those who are coming behind us have the head-ache.’ ”