AN APPRECIATION OF MICHAEL JOSEPH SAVAGE

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 43, 19 April 1940, Page 4

AN APPRECIATION OF MICHAEL JOSEPH SAVAGE

A sadness holds New Zealand from Bluff to Cape Brett light, From Aorangi's snowy slopes down to Canterbury Bight — From Taupo’s placid waters to where the breakers roar— Along the coast of Raglan and to Waiteinata’s shore — It marks the grief for one who strove to raise the lot of man And give to all contentment not known since world began — He visioned land of plenty for those who toiled for good— * He wished to make men workers for the Land on which they stood — He slaved that they might benefit from health and social scheme — He spared not his frail body to carry out his dream — He won the hearts of many friends in his struggle for their rights— He wished to lift his fellow man to new and grander heights; But the Reaper came to claim him before his task was done, And Michael Joseph Savage to his long i \ .. rest has gone— He leaves behind a memory of which few can judge the worth Until I)is dreams are realised, and .angels dwell on earth. No .belter shrine .can now be raised to mark his resting place Than a beacon light on Bastion Point ■•;! that mariners may trace The course that leads to harbour, and that flying men may see The way 1o port in storm or calm to this young land of the free Where British flag shall proudly fly to mark the debt we owe To God and King, and pioneer, and not the least —to Joe. —“NATIONALIST.”