TRIBUTE TO MR. COATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18862, 10 November 1924, Page 8

TRIBUTE TO MR. COATES.

ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY.

NO POLITICAL FAVOURITISM.

ABILITY AND HONESTY.

It is customary for Ministers of the Crown who have granted a district what it wants to receive flattering speeches from the people concerned, but the tributes paid at Tauranga on Saturday to the Hon. J. G. Coates were rather unique. The " up-and-doing " 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 was hampered by the tradition of doles to the electors, and with works proceeding in every part of New 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. Mr. Massey's Discovery.

"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. Massev discovered Mr. Coates he' discovered the man we wanted. (Loud applause). Mr. Coates told us he 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 has carried that out honestly and fairly and without any political bias." (Applause). In regard to railways Mr. Coates had a big hurdle but he had effected some improvements, an important one being coordination between the Public Works and Railway Departments, but the great thing he 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 supporter* 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 the portfolio I shall do my best to serve the country." (Applause). Foundations of Prosperity. 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 can honestly say," he said, " that if the people really give the Minister their support this country will prosper as it never has in the past. Political influence has 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 his invariable attitude. That is a tremendous difference from what has been the custom in the past and that from me, who am not a supporter of ' the 'Government, should mean more than coming from your own member, who is such a—" At this point Mr. Poland hesitated, while he searched for the word, and before he found it the audience ended his 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 Herries, whose memory would be revered by men of all parties.