ELECTORAL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4899, 4 November 1925, Page 2

ELECTORAL.

PRIME, MINISTER’Si TOUR. GREAT RECEPTION ON PLAINS. The Prime Minister, the Hon. J. G. Coates, passed through the Hauraki Plains, on his way to Thames yesterday afternoon. He was accompanied by Mrs. Coates, Mr.J. K. Lowe, Disrict Engineer N.Z. Railways, and Mr F. Thompson, private secretary. - Mr C. W. Harris welcomed the party at the corner, and introduced the Prime Minister to a large gathering of settlers. A Mr Coates spoke for a, few’ moments, stating that he was visiting the electorate at the request of his old friend Mr T. W/Rhodes. If given an opportunity the Reform party would endeavour to put into operation the legislation forecasted in his manifesto. Mr ■ Coates dealt very briefly with the aims of the Country, Nationalist, and Labour parties, and concluded by urging electors to send tried and proved candidate to Parliament so that there would, be sound, stable- government. He pointed out that his initials were J., G. C., and asked veters, to inerpret them as “just give a chance.” Cheers were given for Mr Coates and, Mr Rhodes,, and after partaking of a light lunch the party proceeded to Ngatea. The township was beflagged and an enormous crowd, had assembled. Electors from all parts of the Plains were present and there were many men from Thames. The Premier was lustily cheered on arrival. Pupils of the school gathered around him and after talking to'them for a few moments he granted‘their request for the holiday for tfie rest of the afternoon. Lead by Mr Coates the children cheered the headmaster for the holiday, and then cheered Mr and Mrs. Coates-. Not for a very long time has there been such a large gathering in the Ngatea Public Hall. Mr J. C. Miller, County Chairman, presided, and introduced Mr Coates. The Premier was greeted with prolonged cheering, and with the singing of “For he is a jolly good fellow.” Mr Coates spoke for three quarters of an hour on the lines, of his address in othre parts of the 'country and was accorded an attentive hearing. An interjector from Thames was effectively quietened by Mr Coates, turning the laugh against him. A vote of thanks and confidence wasj moved by Mr W. B. McKay and seconded by Mr J. Neate, and carried with prolonged acclamation. After .a vote of thanks to the 'chair, and the singing of the National Anthem, cheers wtere given for Mr Coates, Mrs. Coates, and Mr Rhodes.

After the meeting the Prime Minister visited the New Zealand Co-oper-ative Dairy Company’s butter factory, had afternoon .tea and continued his journey to Thames, where he intended to speak during the evening and then proceed to Wellington by special train.