OBITUARY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LV, Issue 4558, 12 October 1935, Page 3

OBITUARY.

SIR JAMES COATES,

Auckland, Last Night,

One of the. most distinguished figures in the history of New Zealand banking, Sir James Hugh Buchanan Coates, formerly general manager of the National Bank of New Zealand, died to-day. Some months ago Sir James’ health caused grave anxiety, but he made a good recovery and until last week he was able to pay his accustomed visits to the city.

Sir James, who was born in Auckland 84 years ago, belonged to a family which has been associated with the city of Auckland from its very earliest days. His father, whose name was also James Coates, was an English barrister, and he served as private secretary to the first Governor of New Zealand and founder of Auckland, Captain William Hobson.

In 1869 Sir James Coates joined the Bank of New South Wales. Four years later he joined the National Bank of New Zealand, in the service of which he had a notable career. He was appointed general manager in 1893, occupying that position until 1914, when he went to London to become director of the bank at head office. His residence there was coincident with the period of the Great War, as many New Zealand soldiers have cause to recollect with pleasure, for hundreds of .“diggers” on leave from France partook of the openhanded hospitality of “Uncle Jim,” as he came to be affectionately called. It was in 1919 that he returned to New Zealand with the status of honorary director of the bank, making his home first in Wellington and then for the remainder of his life in Auckland.

In recognition of his many public services,. the rank of Knight Bachelor was conferred upon him in 1922. Sir James was not married.

The death. occurred at Levin on Thursday of one of the very oldest settlers of the district in the person of Mr David Mickell, formerly of Te Horo, at the age of 82 years. The late Mr Mickell, who settled n Te Horo in 1887, was very well known both as a farmer and in many other of the activities of the early community, removing to Levin 15 years ago. Mr H. G. Mickell, of Te Horo,. is a soil.