Member's statement: William Ferguson Massey, 1856-1925

Member's statement by Mr Alan Robinson on 12 May 2025.

MLA

Mr Alan Robinson

Party at the time

Democratic Unionist Party

Date

12 May 2025

Type

Member's statement

Business

Members' Statements

Heading

William Ferguson Massey, 1856-1925

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4937359

Read the official Assembly record

Text

One hundred years ago today, on 12 May 1925, the then Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Sir James Craig, rose in this House to pay tribute to the late Prime Minister of New Zealand, William Ferguson Massey. Craig described Massey as:

"the greatest living Ulsterman of his day",

which is a reflection of the deep pride that Ulster took in one of its most distinguished sons. William F Massey was born in Limavady in 1856. An Ulsterman by birth, at the age of 14, he emigrated to New Zealand, where he became a farmer, earning the affectionate moniker "Farmer Bill". However, Massey's impact extended far beyond the fields; through sheer determination, skill and an unwavering sense of duty, he rose to become one of New Zealand's most significant political leaders. New Zealand parliamentary debates recall Massey as an organised, articulate and well-read statesman. He was sometimes verbose, and he was deeply influenced by biblical references. He took an Opposition that had all but ceased to exist and, through force of personality and astute leadership, transformed it into a well-organised political force. Massey went on to serve as Prime Minister from 1912 until his death in 1925, making him New Zealand's longest-serving leader. Massey's obituary in 'The Times' declared that, all through his career, though a New Zealander of New Zealanders, he would never allow it to be forgotten that he was an Ulsterman. His legacy therefore is one not just of political transformation but of deep connection to his roots in Ulster.

Today, Limavady proudly honours Massey with an impressive 2-metre-tall bronze statue outside the council building in Connell Street. The statue is surrounded by plants of New Zealand origin, symbolising the enduring bond between his birthplace and his adopted homeland. Moreover, here at Stormont, the avenue that leads up to these very Parliament Buildings bears his name; a lasting tribute to his legacy. In May 1925, New Zealand's 'The Free Lance' newspaper published a moving tribute to Massey, which includes the following lines:

"O Limavady! Grief is here: O Little town where he was born: Across the space of sea our saddened hearts With you in silence mourn. Today we laid him down to sleep In wisdom chose the crest that he Who guided still may guard the sacred spot Command both land and sea. True to his God, loyal to his King. Faithful to all and foe to none: We sorrow for a friend, but little town You loved him as a boy, a son."

As we mark the centenary of his death, let us remember William Ferguson Massey not only as a great leader of New Zealand but as a son of Ulster who carried the values of this land across the sea. His legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the profound contributions that individuals from this small —

— but proud part of the world can make on the global stage.

486 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 12:22 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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