MR. COATES ON TOUR

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16201, 26 November 1926, Page 7

MR. COATES ON TOUR

EDINBURGH VISITED TRIBUTE TO SCOTSMEN CElcc. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.l tAustnilian <iiid N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON', Nov. 24. The speeches of the Premiers at the Edinburgh civil reception paid a tribute to Scotsmen's prominence as Empire builders, and sounded strong optimism in connection with the work accomplished at the Imperal Conference. Mr. Coates, after detailing the important part Scotsmen had played in the development of New Zealand, said the recent conference had produced most valuable results. So far as partnership within the Umpire was concerned it might not have achieved anything materially new, but, it had definitely set the seal of progress of Imperial rolntioiishiptwhieh had eome about naturally by evolution to the present relationship. As the result of the conference the necessity of retaining closer touch with the Dominions would devolve upon British statesmen. New Zealand herself intended immediately to lake steps to improve contact between Wellington and London, providing a more direct personal communication. It was hoped also to arrange a system of interchange with the sister Dominions. The Vice-Chancellor of the University referred to Edinburgh as the University of Greater Britain. It had turned loose upon the .sick world 16,000 .qualified practitioners, nearly 5000 of whom were in the Dominions, but. soon there would be no need for Greater Britain's sous to come to Edinburgh except, for post-graduate course, as the Dominion Universities were attaining such high efficiency. *

The Dean of Faculty of Laws, in presenting Mr. Coates with the Honorary Doctorship of Laws, referred to him as one who, like Cincinnttus, left: his farm with a fine physique and a sane outlook to "servi? his country first in war and later in peace.

The Prime Ministers took ten with the University Union, giving Messrs Bruce.and Coates and Sir P.. Bnrdwan chances of chatting with the students from the respective,countries. The Dominion representatives were the guests during the evening at an informal dinner given by Mr. Whitelaw, chairman of the London and North Eastern Railway, after which they attended the Victoria League reception at Lady Findlay's House.