FAREWELL TO MR ISAAC COATES

Waikato Argus, Volume XVI, Issue 2627, 30 April 1904, Page 2

FAREWELL TO MR ISAAC COATES

Last night a number of old residents of the Waikato mustered at the Waikato Hotel, Hamilton, for the purpose of saying good-bye to Mr I Coates and presenting him with a gold chain and sovereign puise as a mark of their appreciation of him as a public man and a private citizen. Mr F. W. Lang, M.H.R., occupied the chair, and we noticed amongst those present Messrs Steele, Atkiiißon, l-'ey, Slade, Larney, Brookfield, Seddon, Milne, A. Primrose, John Primrose, James Primrose, Barton, Crawford, Day, Parlour,Tristram, Mulcahy.LeQuesne (2), Ptull and Holloway. Apologies for absence were received from about a dozen, who would have been present had such been possible. The toast of ' The Kiog and Royal Family' was propo-ed by the Chairman and heartily responded to. Mr A. Primrose, the chairman of the Waikato County Council, then gave the toast of the evening. In doing so he said he had known Mr Coates for 14 years, and they had not had a more energetic aud useful settler in the Waikato. He had done a great deal of good ; ho had spent a largo sum of money and afforded employment for many, be had served for many yearß as one of the exeouiive of the Waikato A. and P. Association, also 'is a steward of the South Auckland Racing Club. He was sure they all wished him a pleasant journey and safe return to the Waikato. He had very great pleasure in proposing his health.

Mr J. Atkinson had much pleasure in supportiug tbe toast. He had known Mr Coates since he came to the Waikato. He had been most energetic in promoting good work. Mr Mulcahy said he had worked for Mr Coates for some years, and a better boss he had never worked for, aod if he wanted help he would be the first man he would go to. He wished Mr aod Mrs Coates a pleasaut trip and a safe return.

Mr Coates, on rising to reply, was received with prolonged applause. He s.id he lacked words to express his feelings at the honor which had been accorded him ; it was an honor that so many settlers were present, many of whom had <-ome long distances for the purpose. H thanked the three gentlemen who had supported the toast for the kind and laudatory things they had said about him. For his part he could not see that he deserved all they had said. Whab little he had done had been repaid to him by election to prominent positions. The settlers had elected him President of the Waikato A. and P. Association—the highest honor they have to confer. This Association was now in a strong position. It had acquired 93 acres of land, and the ground would soon be in good order. Another association had adopted the title of 'Central.' 'I hey were not entitled to do so. They could Dot take from tbe old Association the premier position. If they hung together they would be invulnerable. There was no reason, however, for illfeeling ; perhaps the time had come when the Waikato could run two shows. At an entertainment to Mr H. Reynolds some years back the present Mayor of Cambridge said that he would not get anything which was procurable in Cambridge elsewhere. This had induced him to get everything in Hamilton, where his home was. He spoke in glowing terms of the great services) the late Captain Steele had rendered to Hamilton, and spoke of him by the title of ' Father Abraham,' by which he was known to ail old settlers. Mr oates then enumerated a large number of works which he thought Decessary for the welfare of Hamilton. He again thanked the company for the manner in which they had received the toast, and resumed his seat amidst hearty applause. After the applause had ceased a proposal was made that the company should drink to the memory of the late Captain Steele in solemn silence. The suggestion was immediately acted upon. Mr S. Steele thanked the company for the honour they had shown to his late brother.

Mr O. Day proposed ' The Farming Interests.' He said that although those engaged in the industry sometimes presented rough exteriors, they were equal with any other people in intelligence. There was more honour in milking cows than in being a ' toff.'

Mr S. Steele, in replying, said farmers could be compared with working bullocks They were working for the. t x collector, and the preferential tariff hud added to their borien. If they were not men of steel and intelligence they would have gone UDder. Mr Knock proposed ' Kindred Societies.' Mr Barton replied.

Mr W. Dey, jun , asked permission to say a few words as coming from the young men of Hamilton He wished to place on record that Mr Coates had always been found ready to assist them in their sports, etc. The toasts of ' The Ladies ' and ' The Press ' followed.