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Today in History
31 March
1940 Funeral of Labour PM Savage
The train carrying Savage's body north from Wellington to Auckland made 20 stops allowing thousands of people to pay their last respects. Huge crowds lined the route to his burial site at Bastion Point.
Born in Australia, Michael Joseph Savage came to New Zealand in 1907 and quickly rose through the ranks of the Auckland trade union movement. He was elected to Parliament as Labour Party MP for Auckland West in 1919 and succeeded Harry Holland as party leader on the latter's death in 1933.
The Labour Party won a landslide victory in the 1935 general election. The government set up a comprehensive welfare state to protect New Zealanders from the hardship many had suffered during the depression years. In his victory speech, Savage outlined the Labour Party’s vision of a decent standard of living and economic security for ordinary New Zealand working families. As was evident from the turnout for his funeral, Savage was idolised by many New Zealanders. His framed photo could be seen on living room walls throughout the country for many years after his death.
Image: Michael Joseph Savage's funeral procession (Timeframes)
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