“NOT ONE MAN SHOW”

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16202, 27 November 1926, Page 15

“NOT ONE MAN SHOW”

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE TRIBUTE TO MR. COATES

(Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) tAustralian and iVZ. Cable Association., (Received November 27, 3 p.m.) LONDON, November 26.

“ The Conference lias not been a one man show. There was no outstanding figure such as Sir Austin Chamberlain or Mr. Deakiug; on the contrary, it was a team, of which each member pulled his full weight, Mr. Coates equally with the others,” said Mr. L. C. M. IS. Amcry, presiding at the British Empire League luncheon in honor of Mr. J. G. Coates, to whom he paid a. warm tribute.

Mr. Amery added that Mr. Coates was the successor to a line of Prime Ministers, notably the late Mr. W.\ F. Massey. whose tradition's were always Imperial, whose words were always their bond, and who, on all great issues of the Empire, stood side by side with this country, and were prepared! to give the best brains, money aud blood for tlie ideals of Empire. Mi. Amery, continuing, said Mr. Coates was held in the highest regard, affection and esteem of his fellow-mem-bers' of tho Conference.

Mr. Coates, responding, said! New Zealand was ever ready to help, because the Empire had found the Conference practically constituted of one Imperial mind, not disputations and, not differing in opinions. “ Where grave Imperial issues were concerned wo always regarded- ourselves as autonomous members of the Empire,” he said. “ Nevertheless we never forgot our indebtedness for protection by the British flag. Now Zealand knows where slip stands — that is alongside tho Mother Country.” He paid a tribute to the British Ministers 1 contributions to the Conference discussion. Tho result of the British and Dominions’ co-operation was “ a gentleman’s agreement,” of which every member of the- Conference was proud. Earl Jellicoc proposed Mr. Amery> health, saying Hint his statesmanlike vision ensured tho success of the- Conference.