INTREPID LEADER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 May 1943, Page 3

INTREPID LEADER

OF THE TRUEST STEEL GREAT LOSS TO NEW ZEALAND. PRIME MINISTER’S TRIBUTE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. ‘•By the death of Mr Coates NewZealand has lost a statesman of the front rank,” said the Prime Minister. Mr Fraser, in a tribute last night. “In Parliament, in Cabinet, as Prime Minister, in the Councils of the British Commonwealth of Nations, and on the battlefield he proved himself to be of the truest steel —a trusted counsellor, a true friend and comrade, an intrepid leader, and a courageous and gallant soldier. He was deservedly popular among members of Parliament because he was always courteous and considerate even in the midst of strong controversy. While in office and out of office, as Prime Minister, as Minister, as private member, he always endeavoured to reconcile different and sometimes opposing points of view in the interests of the country's unity and progress. Whatever his party affiliations, Mr Coates was a progressive at heart —lib-eral-minded, a true Liberal in the widest sense of the word. This fact became more and more apparent as the years went on. He frequently expressed and acted on the most democratic sentiments in regard to the welfare of the people as a whole. He felt and manifested good will towards all sections of the community and, especially during the war years, when the war effort required frequent consultations, reconciliations and adjustments, he showed a well-informed and well-bal-anced appreciation of the position, difficulties and outlook of the wage-earn-er as well as of the farmer and business man. He helped to weld them all together in New Zealand's war effort, in the Dominion's contribution toward victory and world-wide democratic freedom. “On all occasions he put his country first. Even the oldest political ties and party associations had to take second place when they clashed with his firm and fixed faith and principle of country, commonwealth and the common cause first.

“As a member of the War Cabinet he was pre-eminent in certain phases of his work of which he had a special and intimate knowledge. His services were invaluable. To its all-important work he gave all of his best thought, his utmost energy, and his great experience of civil and military matters. He died as he lived, at his post —at work —in war harness.

His death is a great loss to New Zealand. It is a severe blow to the work of the War Cabinet and our war effort. As Minister of Armed Forces and War Co-ordination he was the member of the War Cabinet who carried on all necessary conversations, consultations and negotiations with the representatives of the United States Forces, including Admirals Ghormley and Halsey, and did so most harmoniously and successfully. His visits to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji and other Pacific Islands were attended with the most valuable results both in the material advancement of the equipping of our forces and in enhanced and extended good feeling, friendship and unity in the common cause.

“Tonight New Zealand is very much the noorer because of the tragic loss of Mr Coates. His death will be mourned throughout New Zealand, indeed far beyond our shores, in the United Kingdom and in all the Dominions and countries of the Empire and throughout the United Nations. The Maori people, to whom he was a good friend, whose language he could speak, and whom he loved, and who loved him in turn, will be deep in sorrow. “The people of the Kaipara electorate have lost a tried and trusted representative in Parliament —a great friend. “The Government extends on behalf of the Parliament and the entire people of New Zealand, its sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Mrs Coates, to the members of the family and to relatives in their great and sad bereavement,” said the Prime Minister.