CHEERY GREETINGS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16895, 27 November 1925, Page 11

CHEERY GREETINGS.

MR COATES IN KAIPARA

The first visit of the Prime Minister to his own electorate since the general election is being marked by numerous little acts of friendliness and an unending string of congratulations. All along the line from Auckland (o Papnroa and the motor route from l’aparoa •to lUiawai, he was greeted by smiles and handshakes and cheery words that spoke always of his great victory at the polls. The brightest- incident in a day that was do.voted almost- entirely to travelling, with scarcely a moment for meals, was an unexpected happening on the Paparoa-Dargaville road. The Primo Minister’s car had just topped the hill at Matakohe when it was brought up suddenly by a line of children holding hands across the, road. They were the pupils of the Matakohc public school, where Mr Coates was a well-remembered pupil. In a second Mr Coates had alighted from his car and won the confidence and admiration of the youngsters with a good-humored colloquial ing.'With the children still barring progress with, clasped hands across (lie road, a smart-looking lad of 13 stepped forward and addressed himself to the Prime Minister in the following terms: “Sir, on your first visit to Matakohc since the general election we, the pupils of your old school, wish to congratulate you on attaining the highest office in our land. Wo are very pleased that an old Matakohc boy is now Prime Minister, and we wish you every success." The little speech was received with delight by the members of the Prime Minister’s party, who were even more delighted when the youthful spokesman, on behalf of the scholars, asked Mr Coates to send the school an autographed photograph of himself. In a- few kindly words Mr Coates thanked the youngster and his young colleagues for their little complimeni, and told them how proud ho was to be an old boy of the school. “Three cheers for the Prime Minis-, tei*,’’ called the boy, and the cheers were given in shrill, lusty voices. “Now Mr McLeod, the Minister of Lands, is with us.” cautioned the Prime Minister. “Three cheers for Mr McLeod, Minister of Lands,” shouted the boy, and tlie children cheered heartily.

Mr Coates gave the school a halfholiday, the children broke their human chain, find the ears resumed their journey. ,