Limavady 400 Timeline- William Ferguson Massey Display

A selection of artefacts, as part of a timeline of interpretative disc panels in the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre which detail major historic dates in the Limavady borough over the past 400 years. will be on display to highlight the year 1912 in which Limavady’s most celebrated political figure, William Ferguson Massey became the Prime Minister of New Zealand.
William Ferguson Massey pictured during his 1916 visit to LimavadyWilliam Ferguson Massey pictured during his 1916 visit to Limavady
William Ferguson Massey pictured during his 1916 visit to Limavady

William Massey - often known as Bill Massey - was born in 1856 into a farming family in Limavady. His father John Massey and mother Mary Anne were both tenant farmers who also owned a small property.

In 1869 John Massey sold the family farm in Ireland and migrated to New Zealand, although Bill himself remained in Ireland for a further year to complete his education.

He was widely considered to have been one of the more skilled politicians of his time, and was known for the particular support he showed towards rural interests. After Richard Seddon, he is the second longest serving Prime Minister in New Zealand’s history to date.

During his premiership he made two visits to Limavady in 1916 and 1923. In connection with these visits the artefacts on display will include a photograph taken during his visit on 25th November 1916, a postcard and letter’s of thanks to Limavady Borough Council for both his 1916 & 1923 visit.

This display will run until 30 June and there after changing on a monthly basis and finishing at the end of December 2013. Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre are open Monday-Friday 9.30am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. For further information, please contact the Arts Centre on Tel: 028 7776 0650 or visit www.roevalleyarts.com.