THE NEW LABOUR LEADER

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 661, 13 October 1933, Page 4

THE NEW LABOUR LEADER

The selection of Mr. M. J. Savage as leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party, in succession to Mr. Holland, will cause general satisfaction, not only in the ranks of Labour but throughout political circles in New Zealand. As depiity-leader he has showh marked ability in debate and his : powers of criticism have been a

source of considerable strength , to the 'Opposition. It may be that he lacks something in the nature of aggressive force— a usef ul characteristic in a party leader — but he has cairn, lucid judgment and an outstanding grip upon the political affairs of the country. While diverging in no degree from full allegiance to the principles upon which the party has been established Mr. | Savage is, nevertheless, looked upon as being level-headed and a decidedly safe man to lead his party in the field of political diplomacy. Although not a demon- 1 strative man he has * a happy J ability to win popularity and j make warm friends both in and outside the ranks of Labour. He is a native of Yictoria and spent his early days as a miner. He came to New Zealand in 1907 and after contesting Auckland . Central in 1911 and 1914 he was elected for Auckland West in 1919, and has held the seat with comparative ease ever since.