AFTER THE CONFERENCE

Taranaki Daily News, 7 January 1927, Page 9

AFTER THE CONFERENCE

MR. J. G. COATES RETURNING FAREWELL AT WATERLOO STATION BRITAIN'S IDEAL OF EMPIRE TRADE. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Jan. 5. The yells of the Maori footballers’ war cry caused a rush to the Waterloo Station platform, from which Mr. Coates left to embark on the Aquitania. Mr. Coates, in the centre of a semi-circle of gesticulating Maoris, was obviously delighted with the homeland touch of farewell, in which Colonel de Satge, Mr. and Mrs. Harding, Sir Charles Davis, Sir Fabian Ware and Colonel Elhssen participated. Mr. Coates, in an interview, stated that he noticed Britain was becoming increasingly permeated with the ideal of Empire trade. Many were quietly pushing the sale of Empire goods and consistently preaching that gospel. He was glad to see the more hopeful spirit and wider outlook. All classes had quiet confidence in the Empire’s future; New Zealand did not intend to rush migration, but steadily to absorb young men and women of the right calibre. She had a lot more orders to place in Britain, especially for hydroelectric gear. Sir James Parr accompanied Mr. Coates to Southampton. After a civic reception at Southampton the town band escorted Mr. and Mrs. Coates to the Aquitania, on which they have been allotted the viceregal suite. Mr. Coates was photographed on the upper deck, dwarfed between his cousins, Mr. D. H. G. and Colonel J. Coates; the former is 6ft. 7in.