Early days New Zealand Labour Party

members of labour parliamentary caucus, 1922. prominent members harry holland (seated, left of centre), peter fraser (seated, right of centre) , michael joseph savage (back row, rightmost).

in 1922 election, labour more doubled number of seats, winning seventeen. in 1925 election, declined somewhat, had consolation of overtaking liberals second largest party. harry holland became official leader of opposition on 16 june 1926, after eden by-election on 15 april elected rex mason (labour) replace james parr (reform) had resigned. after 1928 election, however, party left in advantageous position – reform party , new united party (a revival of liberals) tied on 27 seats each, , neither govern without labour support. labour chose united, party closest own views – put end 5 terms of reform party government.

the rigours of great depression brought labour considerable popularity, caused tension between labour , united party. in 1931, united passed number of economic measures labour deemed hostile workers, , agreement between 2 parties collapsed. united formed coalition government reform, making labour opposition. coalition retained power in 1931 election, gradually, public became highly dissatisfied failure resolve country s economic problems. in 1935 election, labour party won massive victory, gaining 53 seats coalition s 19.

several of labour party stalwarts australian-born: alfred hindmarsh, harry holland, michael joseph savage, bob semple, paddy webb, bill parry , later jerry skinner, mabel howard , hugh watt.