County’s Tribute To Late Mr. Rodney Coates

Northern Advocate, 24 August 1945, Page 2

County’s Tribute To Late Mr. Rodney Coates

Sincere and spontaneous expressions of appreciation of the work and character of the late chairman, Mr R. Coates, were given by all members at Wednesday’s Otamatea County Council meeting. The new chairman. Mr T. H. C. Snelling, paid tribute to Mr Coales’s unfailing tact and courtesy. He had been full of energy and never begrudged work. He had given a life of service to his country, ancl particularly to the people of Otamatea County Council, of which he had been chairman 27 years and Matakohe riding members 29 years. Mr H. S. McCarroll supported the chairman's remarks, ancl said Mr Coates had been a tine gentleman and a good family man. Ho was always approachable and lived for the best interests oi his county and district. In conversation, if he ecu id not make a favourable reference to anyone, lie would not make an adverse one. It was hard to replace such men as Mr Coates. The speaker wished to add his tribute of respect. Messrs. Ramsbottom, R. D. Leslie McQueen, Hargreaves, Preston, McKean and Thurston sooke in simitar vein. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the late chairman’s memory, and a message of sympathy and appreciation was directed to be sent to Mrs Coates and the family.