BANQUET TO CAPTAIN J. C. COATES, M.P.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 19 October 1916, Page 2

BANQUET TO CAPTAIN J. C. COATES, M.P.

On Thursday evening last, 12th inst., a farewell banquet was tendered to Capt. Gordon Coates, M.P., prior to his departure for the front. The function took place in the Kaipara Hotel, Helensville, and about 50 persons sat down to an excellent repast. Privates Tom and Jack Ross were also present, both being mem. bers of the same camp of training as the guest of the evening, who was supported on the right by the late Town Board chairman, Mr E. T. Field, and on the left Mr Jas. Lambert, the present Town Board's chairman.

The proceedings commenced by Mr Lambert proposing the toast of " The King," which was honoured in the usual way.

In proposing the toast of " Our Guest,1' the chairman remarked that, it afforded him great pleasure in being able to say a" few words with respect to their guest, who is at the same time tneir representative in Parliament. All ought to feel very proud of him. Notwithstanding, Capt. Coates was not afraid to serve his country as a soldier. It was very painful that we should have this war on our hands, as a number of brave boys have lost their lives for the cause of which was right or wrong ; but the war must be fought out to a finish, and then they will see who is in the right.

Capt. doates, in rising amidst applause, said he had not very much to say that evening, and thanked them all for the toast they had just drunk. He did not know how many days and nights he had been celebrating, during his final leave, being kindly treated by all who met him.' It was quite plain that it was necessary for for every man to carry out the duties of a soldier, if they wanted to save the country, and he was doing his little bit towards it. He and Privates Ross would always have very kind thoughts of those who were left behind, when fighting the enemy. Continuing, the speaker said they would all have to make some sacrifice or other, which is quite inevitable— they would be without a member of Parliament, for awhile at least. No doubt they all had their growl as to whether Party or National Government were the most suitable. He referred to the war tax, which would'have its criticism, no doubt. One thing was certain, the money had to be obtained somehow or other, if they wanted the war to be carried out to a successful issue. The speaker was very pleased to see among them a returned soldier, in the person of Mr W. Drinnan, who was wounded at Gallipoli. That man has proved himself a Britisher. Continuing,' Mr Coates said he thought all returned soldiers should be put on the land, as some compensation for their services to the country. The men he had under him at present, in camp, were of the very best—they were excellent. They knew what they had to face, and that is meeting the enemy with a bit of cold steel. One word with regard to the men who are coming into camp in the future—the conscript. They would have to flight side by side with them, so let it be on the best of terms. Concluding, the speaker said that during his absence Messrs Harris, Mander, and Dickson, M.P.'s, promised to [look after the electorate, and whatever electors' wants might be, these gentlemen will do all in their power to assist them. When meeting friends in the trenches Privates Ross and the speaker would convey their kind regards. (Cheers).

Mr Jas. McLeod, in proposing the " Army and Navy," said he was one of those who thought that the Army and Navy were rather expensive luxuries, but they have proved themselves to the contrary. They could not praise these two branches of the service too lightly, and if it were not for the power of the Army and Navy, they would not be present together that evening.

Mr T. Elliott, in responding, said he thought that after this war was finished, all the different regiments, such as Scottish, Irish, etc., would be united into one —there should be no distinction. He thought that anj' man living in this country who would not fight for England should go elsewhere. They ought to be thankful for the great liberties and privileges granted them. The discipline of the Army and Navy were all that could be desired, and they had no fear of any men in those services betraying their trust. Mr E. T. Field proposed " Our Boys at the Front," and said the people at home were always thinking of the boys who are away fighting, and that this country was doing its little bit in supplying men for the front.

Mr A. Becroft, in responding, said the greatest praise is due to our boys in the field of battle, and when the time comes, they should receive a jolly good rally on their return home.

Mr A. J, Hill proposed " The Allies," and said they were a very important factor in this strife indeed. No doubt they all owed a deep debt of gratitude to the Frenchmen and Belgians. The Russians and Japanese have done their part; and Italy is doing her share. At the beginning of the war England was in a very unfortunate position, being quite unprepared; but the enemy were beginning to feel the pressure now. He believed that when the war was over the allies would stick together.

Mr R. Hoe, in responding, said the Allies certainly fought well, as they were such a strong combination. He personally wished Capt. Coates and the Privates Ross every success in their new undertaking.

Mr H. Graham proposed "The Ladies," and said the ladies were doing excellent work in the shape of helping to fill the positions of those who were away at the front, as well as doing manual labour in the munition factories and also with private firms.

Mr A. Garry, in responding said he was of the opinion that the ladies were doing more than the men in this war, although they stayed at home. They had to bear a lot of Suffering, and some people took it

as a huge joke over the anxiety and ' \ misery the ladies had to put up with, ~ through the loss of some relative or dear <■■ friend in this great strife. '; Thanks to the Chairman and the sign- , ing of " Auld Lang Syne," terminated one of the most convivial gatherings ever held in Helensville.