MR COATES

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1926, Page 4

MR COATES

A CIVIC F.\RE WE LI

DAEGAATHLE. Sept. G. Mr ( nates was tendered a civic farewell. prior to his departure for the Imperial Conference, at Dargavillc, the official headquarters of his electorate

tin's evening. At eight o’clock the largest theatre in Dargavillc was packed to the doors with settlers from all parts of the decorate. many coming fifty miles to pay a tribute to tbc Prime Minister and

popular member. Mr Coates, in an address, spoke, of matters to come before the Imperial Conference. He dwelt at some length on the question of giving preference to British goods. He thought that there were many points in connection with goods required and used in the Dominion which could lie talked over with the Home manufacturers. especially motor-ears and implements of

. like nature, which would lead to a bettor understanding with the people who manufactured them in the Old Land, and those who used them in the Dominions. We were bound to the Motherland by a bond of blood and of language. The Motherland bad stood behind us in the hour of stress, and it was our duty to help in every way possible. He defended the migration policy of the Government, and explained how it came about that there seemed to bo an overplus this year. He said that we had promised to take 10,000 per year, but had got behind to the extent of some -1000 during the last two years, and the Government felt that it was their duty to keep faith with the people at the other end. By the end of this year they would have brought out about 13.500. If we only considered ourselves we would not get very far ahead. It was our duty to assist the Mother Country as far as lay in our power, and as long as we could absorb all the healthy migrants it was our duty to take them, and as long as this could safely be done it was our duty to do it. It would be fatal to bring out more than we could absorb, and as long as that was guarded against we were on safe ground. With regard to shipping. Mr Coates said we must have closer contact with the heart of the Empire, and shorten the distance between the Dominion and Britain. He concluded by making a strong appeal on behalf of the primary producers, upon whom this country depended for its prosperity. i The meeting concluded amidst a leeuo of great enthusiasm.