PREMIER DEPARTS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 September 1926, Page 2

PREMIER DEPARTS

A FAREWELL AIESS.VGI

[by TELEGKAni - TER PRESS ASSOCIATION. | WELLINGTON, Sept. It The Prime Minister, Rt, Hon. Air Coates, accompanied by Mrs Coates and staff, left by the Alakura this evening for England to attend his first Imperial Conference. Air Coates was farewellod by the city. The goodbye at the boat-side was most enthusiastic. Air Coates gave the press the following message prior to his departure on the Alakura:—“On the eve of my leaving the Dominion to represent New Zealand at the Imperinl Conference in London, I desire to express my keen appreciation of the genuine goodwill which has 'been extended to me on this mission. May I say that I appreciate these expressions of cordial sentiment in this my first Empire Conference. I should also like to record my warm appreciation of many messages from the Maori race wishing me God speed. I can assure my fellow citizens that no effort will be lacking on my part to represent the Domininn worthily and to give voice to what I believe to he principles dear to the hearts of the New Zealanders, namely, pride in our race, loyalty to the Crown and the Constitution. On many problems that will confront the Conference. I will bring to hear 1,1 A best counsel and co-operation, believing as I do that the unity of the Empire is all-important for the further prosperity of our people. I leave the Dominion feeling confident that its welfare will bo in the safe-keep-ing of my colleagues fortified by the concerted' effort and industry of its citizens.”