15 DECEMBER 1928, Page 3

On Friday, December 7th, the New Zealand Govern- ment, of

which Mr. Coates was Prime Minister, resigned after having been defeated on a vote of no confidence, proposed. by Sir Joseph Ward. Mr. Coates' apologia in the debate was much admired. He predicted great financial difficulties. for. Sir Joseph Ward if on taking office he tried to complete the railways in four years, and adopt the scheme for advances to settlers involving X60,000,000. Nevertheless, he magnanimously promised to help Sir Joseph in any way he could. Sir Joseph Ward, who has since formed a Ministry, is the leader of the • United Party, which is the new name for those who gathered round the nucleus of the old Liberal Party.