The political career of J.G. Coates

Abstract

In entering public life Gordon Coates clearly followed a family tradition. Edward and Thomas Coates, descending from a long line of Herefordshire farmers, had emigrated in 1866 and taken up the Unuwhao block adjacent to the Kaipara harbour. Several years later Thomas left the district and Edward bought out his share. To the task of breaking in this virgin country he brought a sound knowledge of agriculture and animal husbandry. He possessed a great physical strength and a capacity for hard work, while his example extended far beyond his own borders. He soon established a natural leadership in the young community and encouraged social gatherings that alleviated the loneliness of life for the men and women on remote farms and, as settlement progressed, he was foremost in importing pedigree stock into the country, an enterprise which raised the standard of farming throughout his district. He was always a great friend of the Maori people who looked to him for advice and help in their problems Margaret Wilson, Paparoa, Matakohe and Districts Centennial Booklet, pp. 43-44. Also A.K. Brady, Auckland University Thesis, 1947, Gordon Coates, Prime Minister of New Zealand, 1925-28.