Cambridge Encyclopedia :: Cambridge Encyclopedia Vol. 51

Michael Joseph Savage - Early life, Prime Minister

New Zealand statesman and prime minister (1935–40), born in Benalla, Victoria, NE Australia. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1907. An MP from 1919, he became leader of the Labour Party in 1933 and then prime minister. As leader of the first Labour government, he presided over a notable set of social reforms. He died in office.

Michael Joseph Savage

23rd Prime Minister of New Zealand
In office
6 December 1935 – 27 March 1940
Preceded by George William Forbes
Succeeded by Peter Fraser
Born 23 March 1872
Tatong, Victoria, Australia
Died 27 March 1940
Wellington, New Zealand
Constituency Auckland West
Political party Labour
Religion Initially Catholic, then Rationalist, then Catholic again

Michael Joseph Savage (March 23, 1872 – March 27, 1940) was a New Zealand politician and the first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Early life

Savage was born in Benalla, Victoria, Australia and first became involved in politics while working in that state.

Prime Minister

During the depression, Savage toured the country, and became an iconic figure.

Savage is buried at Bastion Point on Auckland City's Waitemata Harbour waterfront in the Savage Memorial, a clifftop mausoleum crowned by a tall minaret, and fronted by an extensive memorial garden and reflective pool.

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