The Wanganui Chronicle TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1928. THE PRIME MINISTER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 257, 30 October 1928, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1928. THE PRIME MINISTER

"J-’HIb speed with which ‘.he Prime Minister tit.irs the country, the number and quality of the speeches he delivers, the places he visits, and the deputations he receives, these show him to he a man of action. It is no idle figure of speech to say that Mr Coates is a worker, for there is not one member of the Legislature who habitually undertakes so many duties, or whei toils for a greater number of hours a day.

Not even his political enemies can deny Mr Coates’ ability as an administrator, or his inherent justness. It is not.too much 1o say that under his control the Public Works Department was revohltiitlised, week by week becoming more progressive in ideas and practice; and it is admitted freely on all sides that the improvements effected in the conditions of the employees of this department are something for which they have real cause to be thankful. After Mr Coates look office as Minister of Public Works, each Statement laid down a definite, prcfcranime and plan of working. It was plain that here was a man of business in command.

Dilaforincss and wastefulness went by the board. Railway works and hydro-electric construction were speeded up, modern machinery being imported for the job. The insanitary makeshift whare in Public Works camps was abolished; setund huts or weather-proof tents, with board floors, were provided, with sanitary accessories, and everything possible was done to ensure that no employee of the department should live in discomfort. The result was an improvement in Ihe health and morale of the men, and an accompanying improvement in the quality and quantity of their work.

Another testimonial to the of Mr Coates is the greatly improved Post and Telegraph Department, in which he sanctioned many innovations and improvements, which the employees and the public now appreciate. It was Mr Coates who was responsible for the re-introduction of penny postage, and for infusing new life into and considerably extending the rural mail system which has been such a blessing to settlers. In many other lesser, but. yet important, matters the hand of Mr Coates is seen throughout, this vital department.

Is there anyone who will say that the railways service has not improved immeasurably since Mr Coates took over the Ministry at a time of great difficulty? It was his firmness, accompanied by a wise discretion, that enabled these, difficulties safely to be surmounted. Though Mr Coates has the courage of his opinions, he docs not rush into hasty action, and though he has done that in the past which was against the wishes of many peO pie. it is improbable that he has a personal enemy. For he has done nothing that has not been consistent with a high sense of dntv.

The Railways Department, no less than the Publie Works Department, has been advanced in status and usefulness by this able administrator. it is now on a far.better basis than at one time seemed possible under the threat of mdtor competition, so that both employees and public, are taking an increasing pride in the service. In some respects, the New Zealand railways are on a par with the best managed services of America and Europe. This has been accomplished quietly and resolutely, in the face of much unqualified criticism.

Regarding Mr Coates personally, there is none who has travelled’with him. or enjoyed elciic association with the Prime Minister, who does not know him as a man and a friend. Though extremely modest and kindly, Mr Coates has a very direct mode of speech when aroused, and he does not hesitate to say what is in his mind. He is, above all, honest, and though his words may offend his opponents, they are given as straight blows. There is no boating about the bush or stabbing from behind hedges for Mr Coates. This is the man who is Prime Minister, and the man whom, the citizens of New Zealand wisely trusted ■with the management of their affairs three years ago. He has d<lio well—wonderfully well —and it is for them to show their approval by again returning him to power. The electors of Wanganui will give a vote for their very able Prime Minister by voting for the local Reform candidate, Mr Lewis, who, it will be remembered, has Mr Coates’ warm personal endorsement.