PRIME MINISTER

Hokitika Guardian, 9 September 1926, Page 1

PRIME MINISTER

AUCKLAND FAREWELL. [by TELEGRAPH —rER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, Sept. 8 Amid cheering and the singing of “For He’s a .Tolly Good Fellow,” the Prime Minister left Auckland by the Limited express this evening for Wellington, where he will embark on the Alakura on Tuesday next for England to attend the Imperial Conference. Air Coates said good-bye to his younger children and his relatives at Matakohe to-day, and when ho arrived on the platform at the railway station, to join the Limited, he was greeted hy a large crowd of friends and well-wishers, with whom he chatted for a. few minutes, and conveyed his appreciation ol their expressions of good will. In anticipation of . a crowd, the Railway Department made the platform open to the public, although porters were on duty at the gates. The leave taking of the Prime Minister was very informal, no speeches being made. When Air Coates stepped on to the carriage platform, the crowd hurst into the song of eulogy, following it with cheers, which were repeated on the call of the Mayor (Mr G. Baildon), when Air Coates appeared on the real- platform and called a final farewell. An announcement as to which member of the Cabinet will take over the portfolio as Alinister of Railways will not be made for a few days yet.