William Ferguson Massey was born in Limavady, County Londonderry, and was educated in Derry. In 1870 he emigrated to New Zealand, where he hoped to become a farmer. By 1894 he had entered the New Zealand parliament, and seven years later had become leader of the opposition. By 1912 he had been elected Premier. He had the unique experience of retaining office before, during and after the First World War - the only Prime Minister in the world to do so. In 1914 he was appointed a Privy Councillor, and his was one of the signatures on the Versailles Treaty. Ten cities made him a freeman, including Derry and Belfast. He died in Wellington, New Zealand. [Biography by H. J. Constable]

Born:	26 March 1856
Died:	10 May 1925