RETURN OF MRS. COATES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22191, 19 August 1935, Page 3

RETURN OF MRS. COATES

WELCOME ON MAUNGANUI DAUGHTERS AND FRIENDS "A DELIGHTFUL TRIP" [fiv telegraph—OWN correspondent] WELLINGTON, Sunday Looking very smart and exceptionally well in one of the new Breton sailor hats in a brown soft felt and a smart brown and white figured frock worn under n light brown fur coat, Mrs. J. G. Coates was welcomed by many friends on the deck of the Manganui this evening on her arrival from overseas. In the midst of welcomes, brief snatches of conversation, and endeavouring to answer the questions with which her daughters were plying her, Mrs. Coates managed to spare a few minutes with a newspaper representative. " I had a wonderful time, but fortunately I was not so busy as my husband," she said. " You see, I was not concerned with the political side of the trip and it was not so much of a strain for me."

Asked what impressed her most during her tour, Mrs. Coates said she would never forget the marvellous spirit of loyalty that was apparent in England during the Jubilee celebrations. " You cannot imagine what it was like," she said. "There is not much use in my giving you any descriptions of what I saw, as j'ou have probably seen most of our activities chronicled and there is so much to think of that 1 will have to take some time to get my thoughts straightened out." At this stage more friends descended upon Mrs. Coates and the interview was again held up for a few minutes. " I went to many functions whero New Zealanders were present and I was absolutely amazed to find out how many from this country are either living in England or were there for the

Jubilee celebrations," Mrs. Coates continued. " It almost seemed as if one had 'to go away to find out where many people really were. " There are without doubt definite signs of prosperity in England," Mrs. Coates continued, after acknowledging the greetings of more friends, some of whom had brought bouquets with them. " Prosperity was evident on every hand. " We have had a terrible rush coming back and I shall never forget the heat in America. The day we spen£ in Washington was the hottest I have felt in all my life. " Now that we have arrived here I really feel glad to be home, although it will take time to settle down." Further conversation was impossible. More people had arrived on deck and Mrs. Coates' daughters seemed anxious to hear more news from their mother. Once again Mrs. Coates was surrounded by people with whom she managed to have a few words before leaving tho ship for her home, which resembled a bower of flowers, many bouquets and baskets of blooms of all types having been sent by friends to greet her on her return.