THE RIGHT MAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19441, 29 October 1925, Page 6

THE RIGHT MAN

IN THE RIGHT PLACE TRIBUTES TO MR. COATES. ELECTORS SHOULD GIVE STRONG SUPPORT. During his visit to Marton yesterday the Prime Minister, the Hon. J. G. Coates, found some very warm friends, who did not hesitate to express the opinion that the country ought to return Mr. Coates to Parliament next week with a sound working majority. Notable among these was Mr. A. G. Bignell, of Wanganui, the contractor for the building of the Marton Post Office. Speaking before the laying of the foundation stone, Mr. Bignell said that Mr. Coates had been telling the gathering something of what he leml done in administering Departments of State, and other speakers had referred to his services to the country. Mr. Bignell said that he had carefully watched Mr. Coates’ work as a Minister and he realised that Mr. Coates had made a tremendous difference in the administration of the Departments under his control. He had done work of the utmost value to the country. “We don’t want to lose him,” declared Mr. Bignell. “I hope that at the election on Wednesday next the country will give him such support that he will go back with a good working majority. He is, without question, the man to lead the Government, and I hope he will be well supported. If he is retained as Prime Minister, with a strong party behind him, his actions in the future will be all for the benefit of New Zealand.”

After the ceremony the Mayor of Marton, Mr. F. Purnell, entertained Mr. Coates and a number of guests to dinner at the White Hart Hotel, where Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Reid provided an excellent menu. After the loyal toast had been honoured the chairman asked Mr. R. E. Beckett to propose the Prime Minister’s health. ! Mr. Beckett said that when Mr. •Coates took office he was better prepared for the duties devolving upon the Prime Minister than had been any other Prime Minister whom the speaker had known. His straightforwardness appealed to everyone. “He is,” said Mr. Beckett, “a man after my own heart; he is straight .and fair, and whatever the matter he is dealing with he puts his cards on the table. Mr. Beckett said that the railway men, who knew him well, said that Mr. Coates was a man. The soldiers said Ihe same. The people of Marton could say he was one of the best men who had ever come into the district. There was a feeling all over New Zealand that Mr. Coates was the right man for his position, and it was a right feeling. He hoped, for the sake of New Zealand, that Mr. Coates would long be Prime Minister.

Mr. Coates replied that he proposed to go straight, ahead, and if he did not give satisfaction, then the people could always select someone else. He was doing his best, and he believed that because he tried to be fair and honest the people would give him his opportunity.