TRIBUTE TO MR COATES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 14 November 1924, Page 6

TRIBUTE TO MR COATES.

ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY,

NO POLITICAL FAVOURITISM.

It is customary for Ministers of the Crown who have granted a district what it wants to receive flattering speeches front the people concerned, but the tributes, paid at Tauranga on Saturday last to the Hon. J. G. Coates were rather unique, says the New Zealand Herald. The “up-and-doing’ 5 quality of the Minister’s character has made a universal appeal, and the tributes of Saturday included one from a political opponent. Proposing the health of the Minister for Public Works and Railways, Mr H. A. Sharpe said Mr Coates had won the confidence and esteem of the people of New Zealand because of his ability, frankness and honesty in carrying out his duties and because of- his moral courage. When he took up the public works portfolio the Department w r as ’hampered'by the tradition of, doles to the electors, and with works proceeding in every part- of New r Zealand it was impossible for departmental officers to carry them out economically. The system resulted in large sums of money being locked up from which no revenue, could, be derived.

“We wanted a man,” said Mr Sharpe, “who had the courage of his opinions and personality to enforce them upon the country. I have no hesitation in saying that when Mr Massey discovered Mr Coates lie discovered the man we wanted. (Loud applause). Mr Coates told us lie was not going on with this system of small .works all over the country,-but would concentrate so that he could do away with the horse and dray and barrow' and put in the steam shovel. He lias-carried that out honestly and fairly, and, without any political bias.” (Applause.) In regard to railways, Mr Coates had a big hurdle, but lie had effected some improvements, an important one being co-ordination between the Public Works and Railway Departments, but the great tiling lie had to do was to put the railways on a business footing. They had no doubt he would do it. In conclusion Mr Sharpe assured Mr Coates that not only had he the confidence of Government sujiporters, but also of a large body of political opponents. (Applause.) In his reply, Mr Coates said: “I want you to come back to mother earth and remember that I am an ordinary frail human being with an earnest desire to help the country, and as long as my chief, Mr Massey, thinks I am worthy of holding this portfolio I shall do my best to serve the country.” (Applause.) Mr H. Poland, M.P., who is a political opponent, remarked that speeches were not always' followed by action,- but proceeded to pay a ’generous tribute. “I canvhonestly say,” lie said, “that if the people really give the Minister their support this country will prosper as it never has in the past. Political influence lias been- exercised by every party in connection with public works up to the time Mr Coates took charge. I will say that in regard to public works I have recognised no difference between his attitude to me and that to any other member of the House.” He explained that every proposed vote "was discussed by members concerned with the Minister and his departmental officials. “That is the attitude he has adopted,” said Mr Poland, “and as far as my'experience goes it is lii 3 invariable attitude. That is a tremendous difference from vliat lias been the custom in the past, and that from me, wlio am not a supporter of the Government, should mean more than coming from your own member, who is such a ” At thi3 point Mr Poland hesitated wliile- he searched for the w T ord, and before he found it the audience ended Iris sentence by a burst of laughter. Mr Poland assured them that he and Mr Macmillan got on very well together. On matters of importance to both constituencies they, were united, as he had been with the late Sir William Ilerries, whose memory would be revered by men of all parties.