GRACEFUL GESTURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22712, 26 October 1935, Page 8

GRACEFUL GESTURE

PRESENTATION TO MR COATES APPRECIATION OF SERVICES (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, October 25. Expressions of goodwill and appreciation of his public service, particularly during the past four years, were conveyed to the Minister of Finance (Mr Coates) by a representative Wellington gathering composed mainly of young business and professional men which waited upon him at his office this evening. The deputation, which numbered about 70, presented the Minister with a gold cigarette case. Asking Mr Coates to accept the gift, Mr Frank Campbell said the deputation included different shades of political opinion. “We are not here,” lie continued, “ to say whether we agree with ail that has been done during the past four years, but we are unanimous in the opinion that you have carried out your job in the way you and your colleagues thought best for New Zealand.” Mr J. D. M’Millan said that during an exacting period Mr Coates had acted with evident honesty of purpose, with boldness yet with a sense of responsibility, arid, above all, with courage when courage was most needed. There was a growing realisation throughout New Zealand that Mr Coates had earned a full right to the respect of the country. These remarks were endorsed by other speakers. When returning thanks, Mr Coates said: “ It is true that the past four years have been troublous, and it is not to be wondered at that they have been anxious times for those of us who are responsible for the government of the country. Often the clouds have been black and the outlook gloomy, but the road has been made easier because of the courageous spirit of our people in adversity, and because the Government has been able to work consistently on a carefully-prepared plan of policy. The load has been lightened by the encouragement of friends, and the loyal co-operation of colleagues. “ I take your expression of goodwill not only to myself but also to mv friend the Prime Minister, to my colleagues in Cabinet, and the members of the Government who have shared in the responsibility for the decisions,” added Mr Coates. On this occasion, too, it is not unfitting to thank my friends of the Opposition who have performed the useful service of exercising the democratic right of criticism, nor can I overlook the officers of the Government who have loyally thought and worked in the interests of'the people, and my own personal staff, who have toiled unceasingly.”