LATE MR COATES

Grey River Argus, 1 June 1943, Page 3

LATE MR COATES

MR CURTIN’S MESSAGE

WELLINGTON,. May 31. “My colleagues and I wish to convev the expression of our deepest svmnathy to the relations, to you aiM P members of the New Zealand Parliament, in the tragically sud den passing of Mr Coates,’ states the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth (Mr Curtin) in a message to Mr Fraser. “You will recall entrusting Mr Coates with special war missions to the Commonwealth during the discharge of which lie attended meetings 'of the Australian .War Advisory Council and had vital consultations with members of the Government. The many friends he made in this country are much saddened by his unexpected clonth. New nds lost a distinguished citizen and a great Parliamentarian, who over a long period of years contributed seivice of enduring value to his country and to the Empire.” AUCKLAND SERVICE AUCKLAND, May 31. The .measure of Mr Coates’ greatness lay not so much in his capacity to lord’it over others as in the willingness to serve, said. Archdeacon Cowie, in an address at the memorial service, at St. Mary’s this afternoon. The spirit of service was characteristic of the dead statesman, who gave unstintingly of his time and. energies in grappling with the baffling problems of the slump years. During that time he developed an amazing courtesy and patience and readiness to help the ordinary.'people. .