PRIME MINISTER

Hokitika Guardian, 31 August 1926, Page 4

PRIME MINISTER

ENTERTAINED BY REFOE-M PARTY. WELLINGTON, August 29 On the eve of his departure to attend the Imperial Conference the Prime Aliiihter (Air Coates) was entertained at dinner by Reform members cf Parliament on Saturday-night. The gathering was presided over by the Alinisler of Finance (the Hon. AA'. Downio Stewart). In proposing the toast of the departing guest Afr Stewart referred to the conspicuous energy and abilities which the Prime Alinister had shown since his entry to Dominion politics, and confidently anticipated his return from the mission upon which he was now selling out with further proofs that the party and the people of New Zealand had done the- right thing ill him as r, worthy successor to those able men wlio had represented the Dominion at previous conferences. On rising to respond Air "Coates was enthusiastically cheered, and in a few brief and earnest words thanked his supporters for the confidence they had placed in him. He trusted he would not disappoint them nr the people of New Zealand, either b.v bis words or, his actions, in the councils of the Em-

pi re. • Later in the evening the toast or “Absent Afembors” was proposed, and in this connection references were made to the sterling character and marked ability shown by AIV T. D. Burnett, member for Temukn, during his picsence in Parliament, and a unanimous wish was expressed for his early return to permanent good health. On behalf of the party, Air Dickson (Parnell) presented a travelling rug each to Afr and Airs Coates.