Was Beloved Figure In National Life

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 73, 27 March 1940, Page 8

Was Beloved Figure In National Life

Michael Joseph Savage was a man of the people. Never since the rule of Richard John Seddon, the famous Liberal leader, has there been a Prime Minister of New Zealand who drew such wholehearted devotion from the broadest sections of the population.

It was on November 27, 1935, that Mr. Savage, for many year* deputyleader, and, later, leader of the Labour party in New Zealand, became the Prime Minister of the Dominion in one of the greatest political landslides ever recorded in the country's history. His party captured power in an election that was as amazing as it was desolating to the Government swept from office, and increased its strength from 24 to 55 seats. In the debacle, Ministers of the Crown lost their seats in a revulsion qf public feeling arising out of the conditions during the depression. Within a few days the Prime Minister, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, resigned. The result of the election, it was said at the time, was a pleasant surprise to Mr. Savage, who felt sure of 43 to 44 seats only. His first action on taking office was to arrange for a bonus for the unemployed of the country to ensure that they would have a "happy Christmas." It was such acta—performed in the interests of the "under dog"—that endeared him to the country. It was characteristic of the man that he thought first and foremost of the poor and needy before settling down to the serious business of putting into effect his election policy. Practical Idealist. A practical idealist, serious and straightforward in his thinking, he had been through the mill himself in a long and colourful industrial and political career. He knew the troubles and hopes of the man in the street. Fpr long he br ' been, the political voice of the masses, and understood their needs and desires. A native of Victoria, he was born near Benalla in 1872, his father, Mr. Richard Savage, having a farm about 12 miles from that centre. It was in this atmosphere of country life that he spent his early years. At the age of. 14 *.' ■■■ secured a position as a shop assistant in a general store at Benalla, and continued tb-re until the big bank crash of 1803 threw the business world into confusion. Thousands were looking for work, and . >ung Michael Savage, then about 20 years of age, was one of them. He moved to New South Wales, and there found work on one of the stations of " r Samuel McCaughey, afterwards a member of the Legislative Council of ' " South Wales, and one of the very few millionaires in Australia. Here for a great part of his time Mr. Savage was engaged in scooping out irrigation c* «;.nels—and doing some hard think-

The district in which Mr. Savage worked, almost uninhabited then, is now the site of the 'town of Griffiths, with a population approaching 20,000. He found work with other employers in the district until 1900. and then went to the mining town of Kuthergten', in Victoria, where a brother of his was jwjjdkiug.

Mr. Savage did not intend to stay in the locality, but before long he found himself working in a deep alluvial mine at North Trent ice, near Rntherglen. He

jamc secretary of tlie Political Labour Council, now named the Australian Labour party, and it was there, during his six or seven years' stay, that he first met the man who was to change his life. This was the present Hon. P. C. Webb, Minister of Labour.

Mr. Savage was in the midst of the co-open.tive movement that was started among the miners, and was appointed organiser and afterwards manager of the bakery and grocery store. He found, however, that this work was not congenial, and after nine or ten months of it he was induced by Mr. Webb to co -.e to New Zealand. Landed On Labour Day! Strangely enough, though it was his intention to visit the West Coast of the South Island, he did not get there. Incidentally, there was a touch of prophecy in the fact that he landed in New Zealand on Labour Day. He went first to Palmerston North, and was employed in one of the flaxmills of Mr. George Seifert. Palmerston North held him for only six months. A rumour that a co-opera-tive store was to be started in Auckland drew him north, but that particular venture did not come to anything, t'-ough he made Auckland his home until he was returned as Prime Minister in 1935.

It was in 1907 that he arrived here, and soon secured employment in Hancock's brewery, where the varied mechanical knowledge he had by this time acquired was turned to good account. He became a prominent leader in the Labour party, and stood for Auckland Central in the party's interests in 1911 and 1914, being defeated on each occasion by Mr. Albert Edward Glover. In 1919 he successfully contested the Auckland West seat, which he has held continuously ever since. At that time he was national secretary of the Labour party, but he resigned the position on entering the House. It was at the 1919 elections, incidentally, that Auckland first sent three Labour representatives to the House, the other two being Mr. W. E. Parry—now Minister of-Internal Affairs—and Mr. F. N. Bartram.

When the late Mr. James MeCombs retired from the position of deputyleader of the party in 1923, Mr. Savagewas elected in his place. Elected in 1919 to both the Auckland City Council and the Auckland Hospital Board, he retired from both positions after four T^ s . owing to pressure of work. In 1927, however, he was successfully put forward again by his party for a seat on the Auckland Hospital Board, and remained a member of that body until i&asit? tbe Labour *"* "**

W, . U ? ***** otlle, « from New ber of the British Empire Parliamentary D egafon to attend a conference £ the Commonwealth under the presidency of the Marquis of Salisbury.

When Tie entered Parliament, Mr. Savage formed one of a group of eight Labour members under the leadership of Mr. H. E. Holland, a fellow-Australian, and his level-headedness and all-round ability soon brought him prominence. In debate he proved one of the party's most useful members and he never failed to hold a great -measure of attention in the House.

When Mr. Holland died in October, 1933, his mantle fell as a matter of course on Mr. Savage, not only because he was deputy-leader, but also because he was a man whose judgment, wide knowledge and equable temper commanded the loyalty of his fellow-Labour members.

"A builder—not a destroyer 7 ' —a phrase used by one who knew him well— sums up tlie character of Mr. Savage, lie was a practical idealist in that his whole life was a light for the ultimate objective of a world where all men and women would live together in happier relationships. Hi** practicality never allowed that ideal to cloud his vision with fanaticism. He gave calm consideration to all questions that were presented for his judgment, and those who submitted the questions knew that his answer was based on a summing-up of all aspects.

Stories about him are legion and his honesty of purpose is revealed in the characteristic statement he is said to

have made on one occasion when insisting that the party should lay all its cards on the table on a particular question. , Political Philosophy,

"A gain made by subtlety can only be held temporarily," he said, and to that belief he always adhered at party conferences. To his generosity, too, those who knew him well refer. It is related that he gave away the greater part of his honorarium and it was on his motion that it was decided that in the event of the Labour party gaining the Treasury benches all honoraria should he pooled and divided equally, the party members being teamed under the various Ministers to control different Ministerial Departments.

Gentleness of manner Mr. Savage combined with a firmness that insisted on party discipline. One Cabinet Minister stated that he had watched him closely for almost a quarter of a century in respect to his ability to handle serious questions and serious positions and he had never met a man with whom he would sooner discuss a problem with the object of overcoming it. The same opinion was held by every man in the movement.

It is interesting to reflect that just as Richard John Seddon derived his inspiration from the progressiva per-

sonality and ideals of John Ballance, his predecessor in office, so did Michael Joseph Savage receive his inspiration from his revered leader of former davs, Mr. H. E. Holland. But he had, too, a natural ability to get closer to his fellow-members—an instinctive friendliness that served him in good stead.

Surely never before ha* there been seen in the Dominion such tremendous enthusiasm as marked the infrequent tours of Mr. Savage. On occasions women kissed his hands and citizens of all towns have turned out to do him homage amounting, in some cases, to .idolatry. His meetings were always crowded and there were few interruptions. But withal, he was essentially a shy man and full of the homely touches that marie him oue of the people. He wan no seeker alter pergonal publicity and it was. jk-i haps, surprising to himself and sometimes embarrassing, to realise that he waft being lionised. As far as he was concerned, it was the party that mattered—and not the man.

The speed with which a great part of the party's programme- was placed on the Statute Book drew some criticism on the grounds that this was an attempt to push forward too quickly, but Mr. Savage, having once given his word that the legislation would be carried out, was determined on his plans.

Mr. Savage was an omnivorous reader, particularly on social and economic subjects and "in his earlier days in New Zealand was noted for the anxiety he displayed to gain knowledge.

he was fit Hancock's brewery in Khyber Pass, for instance, he would sit down, draw a book on sociology from his pocket and spend all the lunch hour reading. It was known that much of hie wages went towards the purchase of books. The theoretical background he acquired in those days was to be invaluable later on in life.

As a workman he was keen and efficient. Mr. W. T. Sawbridge, chief brewer at Hancocks, recalls that he spoke little and was known for his equable temperament. He never at any time had any differences with other employees, attended to his work and was-, in fact, on good terms with everybody. Some of the old hands who worked with him at the brawery recall '-Joe'' with affection and stress his democratic Attitude when he became Prime Minister and paid a visit to the brewery to "look over the old job" again. "He was just the same Joe," said one of the men. "Whatever that man said you could depend on. He never let anybody d<>wn in his life, it just wasn't his nature." A story illustrating another side of Mr. Savage was the occasion when a journalist, early on the day after the general election of 193j, called on him at his home at Heme Bay. Though "Mick" was an abstemious man himself, he felt that in this, Labour's hour of victory, the journalist should have a little treat—particularly as it was a warm day. He left the sitting room, returning again a few moments later with a woman's shopping basket containing some bottles of beer, and "did the honours."' It was typical of him. Of Simple Tastes.

In the few days after the election, before he became Prime Minister, many people who had never had cause to seek audience with him before, called at his home. One of them was a titled English business man.

Hearing that "Lord So-and-So" was at the door wishing to see him, Mr. Savage said, "Well, this is the first time I've ever greeted a noble lord."

la characteristic fashion he went to the door and said, "Good afternoon, friend. Come in to the parlour." That was Mr. Savage's way. People could just take him as they found him. He had no special mode of greeting people who were higher in the social scale than his constituents and friends.

A bachelor, he was a man of simple tastes and would have been perfectly happy as far as his own inclinations were concerned on a wage of JC4 a week. He was almost Franciscan in spirit, though his critic* among the moneyed class frequently wished that he had more personal regard for the things of this world.

Sartorially, he was a "one suit" man. His dark navy blue suit and little black bow tie were familiar to Aucklanders and he retained his simplicity in dress until becoming Prime Minister, when he discarded his former choice in suiting in favour of more conventional tailored clothes in keeping with his position. And who does not remember his trip to England at the time of the Coronation of Their Majesties King George VI. and Queen Elizabeth? The cables carried the story of that solitary figure —New Zealand's bachelor Prime Minister—in the stiff, gold-laced uniform of a Privy Councillor, riding in his carriage, in solitary state, in the. procession through the streets of the heart of the Empire. "Well, if I had a wife, of course she would have been with me," he said to a London Pressman on that occasion. "I did feel the need of companionship, and I wisli 1 could have had Mr. Nash or Mr. Jordan, but it was a wonderful display. The scene in the Abbey was magnificent and for such an immense display to go off without a hitch was a tribute to the organising ability of the British. It was just like one piece of machinery running smoothly and cfliciently. I was unable, unfortunately, to pick out any New Zealand cries or greetings from the millions of spectators because the noise was terrific. I have certainly got something to remember for years to come." Always his thoughts were of New Zealand, his adopted homeland.

And then tliere was his great triumph on October 15, 1938, when once again he led his party to victory in a whirlwind campaign that gave the Labour Government a mandate to proceed with its programme and endorsed that which had gone before. But victory never went to the head of Mr. Savage. Delighted he was, of course, at the approval that had been given t<> his policy, because in no &mall mea.-urc was the programme of the party his own personal work. He was philosophical. Victory or defeat were minor matters to him as an individual, but as the directive force of a bi;r political party and the leader of the Government he was deeply concerned with the outcome. Interest In Sport. Another facet in the many-sided character of Mr. Savage is revealed by the statement that when he secured his iir»t victory for the party he was not above dancing a jig—and a very good one. too. He was also known for his partiality for a day's shooting—usually in the company of the Hon. W. E. Parry. Like all true Irishmen, he was fond of horses and lie admitted that one of his greatest pleasure* in -.he days of national responsibility was s day at Ellerslie.

As a voting man he played Australian code football and cricket. Later he had the ambition to play bowls—when bo had the time, which wa* very rarely. During the few years before his death Mr. Savage found most of his exercise in a three-mile walk with several colleagues ljefore dinner.

The popularity of Mr. Ravage is ono of the outstanding features of political life in Xew Zealand. Those of his friends who did not call him "Joe"' referred to him as "Mick." and he answered to both. It can also be said tliat the affectionate esteem in which he was held by members of the Labour party was shared non-politic-all*' by his opponents. It had been said of Mr. Savage since he took off.ee towards the end of 1935 that he was a sentimental idealist, with his head in the clouds.

Those who met him day after day found that such an estimate of his character did not give a clear view of the man. There can be no doubt his qualities of leadership were recognised and appreciated by his party. This has been amply demonstrated by the fact that not oven the caucus nor 'the Labour party conference could persuade him to accept the suggestion that after the last

general election the Ministry should be elected by the caucus. He stood firmlv for his constitutional rights and made it clear that the only altcVnative was his resignation. Shrewd Irish Wit. As a debater Mr. Savage alwavs showed broad sympathy and human understanding. Although his speeches sometimes revealed a tender sentiment, he himself frequently demonstrated the possession of a shrewd Irish wit and common sense. He never made any secret of his political aims. Even before gaining the distinction of leadership of the Government he devoted his talents to advocating a higher standard <*f lhinc for the people. to It has often neen said daring the past years since 1935 that the Ctovernment has gone forward much too rapidly, bnt all the time the response of Mr Savage to every criticism and challenge was the simple statement that he would not apologise for anything that had be«n done to make life happier for the people who needed help most. This was his .-rr from his front-bench seat in the Hou-4 of Representatives as well as from the public platform throughout his term of office.

For the first thee years of Labourulc in .\cw Zealand the catch-words iii respect to Mr. Savages mannerisms were Now then!" This arresting phrase was used so often in his speeches that it became something of a joke. It was little heard this year—.Mr. Savage was on his guard agtiinst it. He changed over from "Now then!" to "However?" Aft r all, such idiosyncrasies were merely halting points m the rush of his idea's. \s a matter of fact, with the exception of his phraseology, Mr. Savage was remark ably free of mannerisms, because hi* naturaltraits were simplicity and straightforwardness. *

In the House the Prime Minister always had a distinctive appearance. Thi« S ?«TIZ d,, , e to hss 9h ~ k «JdSi hair and the alert manner in which hlistened to speakers on the opposite side to the Treasury benches. It would be difficult to find, in the history of Par Ha ment, evidence to show that any other Prime Minister in New Zealand ever «'" closer attention to his job in the House than did Mr Savage. In fact, it is prohable that this devotion to duty was a contributory factor in his breakdown in health.

As has been said during the past year. the effect of this sedentarv attention f, work in his office and in the Ho Us e was somewhat counter-balanced bv a dailv early morning walk through* different parts of Wellington. For a time ths exercise suggested that Mr. Savage was ower his internal trouble, but

apparently the mischief caused by year; of close devotion to office had been done. Time Too Short.

Those who witnessed the first year 4 two of the Labour Government's legist tive activity will never fur-et tU enthusiasm of Mr. Savage. It ofta •seemed to interviewers and that the time was too short in which ti implement the Government's expcnsiri and somewhat ambitious programme Now legislation ran into the Statute Book like a river in flood, j nd the onh e.\cu?e that was given for this haste was the periodical statement bv M» Savage that if mistakes were made, th» Government would nor. hesitate in correcting them. In his own words: *Tf l may have made mistakes but we hart made other things too."

The Prime Minister's programme in ti| session of 1930 can be summarised in tit following seven points:—

(1) The betterment of the condition of the unemployed and their families, (2) Full restoration of wages *ni salary cuts to almost every class wfct had been affected by the depresses period. (3) Provision of a fixed income for On dairy farmer, the system now beinknown as the guaranteed price. (4) Increase of pensions to all recipients and the introduction of a pensua for chronic invalid-. (.">) Improvement of educational eon. (lit ions ami the return of five-year-olds to the State schools. #(fi) Introduction of a 40-hour week and the granting of more week-end leisure and holidays to the workers. (7) Control of banking through the Reserve Bank, with a view to the use of public credit and provision of lots money for State bousing and other purposes. Fundamentally, tbese 'were the nuia planks of the Government's legislative programme, but in carrying them ont numerous other Acts and amendments complementary to them were placed on the Statute Book. They all aimed at giving effec* to Mr. Savage's ideals.

Xo one has attempted to deny that in the first two years of the Labour Government's administration, prosperity was substantial in Xew Zealand, bat m the third year there was some evidence in the background that the writin<* was apparently on the wall. Depletion a sterling funds in London had set in. Thi*,

however, did not deter the Prime Minister in promoting his great ideal in [polities —Social Security. In his own inimitable way he frequently stated oa many platforms and to many interviewers that if Social Securitv, including » free hospital service, could'be established in New Zealand he would consider that his life had been useful, and that be would die content and happy. Man of Courage, s'W ■*• The strain of office, which had kept him tied to hi* desk for long hours of the day and night, and the undoubted worry which he must have suffered owing to financial conditions, took effect in September, 1935, when he came to Auckland on a proposed trip to the He beca.me indisposed on the tram, and when he got to this city he was ordered to his bed for some davs. The news of Mr. Savages illness came as a shock to the whole community, and the affection in which he wis regarded by everyone was reflected in the thousands of messages of svmpathr and good wishes he received from ail sections of the communitv. He did not fully recover, and in August, 1939, he underwent an operation. Again the tremendous courage of the man was demonstrated when he con coaled the fact that he had J.cen ordered to hospital until after he bad presented the Budget—one which demanded considerable sacrifice* from the taxj.n vers. He arose from a sick lied to read it.'and the follow big day he was in the hands of the surgeon.

AMnle 1m« was -til! convalescent, war was declared, and though the Hon. P. V* ser - a * s deputy-Prime Minister, shouldered the greater part of the burden, it must have rer-ted heavilv. too. on Mr. Savage. He faced up to it. however, with the vigour and the optimism that ha? always heen so much a part of his character. All these things must have accentuated the impairment of the Prime Minister's health.

After hi* operation in Lew l*ham Hospital on August 4. Mr. Savaffe trade :<?w puKie appearances, although he was able to visit the House of Penro-erta-tives on October 6. when he wived an ovation after making a speech of appreciation concerning the evmpathv and nelp he had received in his iilne*< He • arewelled the Wellington section of the first echelon in January. Another public appearance, was -made on Februarv 2, when the Prime Minister attended the I arliamentarv iv.t-pti..,, to the Pa;al An-hliUliop Panic. After the operation, which w ; performed in the J-ewisham Hospital. Mr. Sava-e was nursed by the sixers ~f the Little Company of Mary. IK- in tho } ~l ilh w<hich. hy hi a IrieJi parentage* wa* hid heritage.