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Centenary of Limavady-born Prime Minister of New Zealand William Massey marked at Stormont
Derry Journal
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13/05/2025
Centenary of Limavady-born Prime Minister of New Zealand William Massey marked at Stormont
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00:00
100 years ago today, on the 12th of May 1925, the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Sir James Craig,
00:09
rose in this very house to pay tribute to the late Prime Minister of New Zealand, William Ferguson Massey.
00:16
Craig described Massey as the greatest living Ulsterman of his day, a reflection of the deep pride Ulster took
00:22
in one of its most distinguished sons.
00:26
William F. Massey was born in Namavaddy in 1856, and Ulsterman by birth, he emigrated to New Zealand at the age of 14,
00:36
where he became a farmer, earning the affectionate moniker Farmer Bill.
00:42
However, Massey's impact extended far beyond the fields.
00:45
Through sheer determination, skill, and unwavering sense of duty, he rose to become one of New Zealand's most significant political leaders.
00:54
The New Zealand parliamentary debates recall Massey as an organised articulate and well-read statesman,
01:01
sometimes to the point of verbosity and deeply influenced by biblical references.
01:07
He took an opposition that had all but ceased to exist, and through force of personality and astute leadership,
01:15
transformed it into a well-organised political force.
01:19
Massey went on to serve as Prime Minister from 1912 until his death in 1925,
01:26
making him New Zealand's longest-serving leader.
01:29
His obituary in the Times declared that all through his career, through a New Zealander of New Zealanders,
01:35
he would never allow it to be forgotten that he was an Ulsterman.
01:38
His legacy, therefore, is not just one of political transformation,
01:42
but also of a deep connection to his roots in Ulster.
01:47
Today, Lamavaddy proudly honours Massey with an impressive two-metre bronze statue outside the council building in Connell Street.
01:52
The statue is surrounded by plants of New Zealand origin, symbolising the enduring bond between his birthplace and his adopted homeland.
02:01
Moreover, here at Stormont, the avenue leading up to this very Parliament building bears its name,
02:07
a lasting tribute to his legacy.
02:09
In May 1925, New Zealand freelance newspaper published a moving tribute to Massey,
02:15
which includes the following lines,
02:17
As we mark the centenary, let us remember William Ferguson Massey.
02:46
Not only a great leader of New Zealand,
02:49
but also as a son of Ulster,
02:50
who carried the values of this land across the sea.
02:53
His legacy continues to inspire,
02:55
reminding us of the profound contributions that individuals from this small but proud part of the world can make on this global stage.
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