MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25240, 1 June 1943, Page 2

MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY

AMERICAN AND AUSTRALIAN " TRIBUTES (P.A.) . : WELLINGTON, May 31. The following message from Mr Cordell Hull. United States Secretary of State, has been received by Mr Fraser:—“l have received with great sorrow the news of the death of Mr Coates, and desire to express my deepest sympathy to you and the Government of New Zealand. The loss of this distinguished statesman, whom I came to know and admire in the course of his visits.to Washington, will be keenly felt at a moment in which the world so sorely needs outstanding leaders.” “ My colleagues and I wish to convey an expression of our deepest sympathy to the relatives, to you, and members of the New Zealand Parliament in the tragically sudden passing of Mr Coates,” states the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr J. Curtin, in a message to Mr Fraser. “You will recall entrusting Mr Coates with special war missions to the Commonwealth, during the discharge of whicji he attended meetings of the Australian War Advisory Council and had vital consultations with members of _ the Government. The many friends he made in this country are much saddened by his unexpected death. New Zealand has lost a distinguished citizen and a great parliamentarian, who over a long period of years contributed service of enduring value to his country and to the Empire.” On behalf of the Otago Harbour Board, Mr R. S. Thompson (chairman) sent a telegram to Mrs Coates expressing sympathy in the death of her husband and paying a tribute to his service to the Dominion.