MR. COATES AND THE WAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23994, 18 June 1941, Page 10

MR. COATES AND THE WAR

Sir, Last week you reported a statement, made in the House that the Rt. Hon. ,1. G. Coatos, P.C., M.C., thought t.Jiat the home front was more important than that overseas. T have been expecting some influential person to deny this charge, but have seen no denial, so beg leave to mention a few facts. Last November a hurriedly-called meeting of supporters of Mr. C'oates from all over Rodney County filled a hall at Warkwort h. .Mr. C'oates gave a uovor-to-be-lorgotten survey ot the war up to date, and his views of the dangers. It was a masterly exposition. He stressed the point that we sink or swim with the Empire, and that we had to do far more than previously if we were to survive. He said that in this war we would have to send more men overseas than we had in the last war, liecause of the numbers required for the Air Force. At the end of his addross Mr. Coates told us that he did not subscribe to the general opinion that we could not defend New Zealand. He showed us the difficulties, but also how they could be overcome. Is not New Zealand lucky that we had one man on the War Cabinet who had these views and enough personality to carry the others with him so that a little progress has been made? But is not New Zealand foolish that she does not give this man more power so that our defence would tie trebly secure, and our war aims revitalised so that we could do our full share in the drive for victory? Roy F. Ellis.