Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Peter Fraser

Role / Field:

Key figure in New Zealand Labour history; 24th Prime Minister (1940-1949).

Born:

1884-08-28

Died:

1950-12-12

Century / Era:

1884s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Peter Fraser (; 28 August 1884 – 12 December 1950) was a New Zealand politician who served as the 24th prime minister of New Zealand from 27 March 1940 until 13 December 1949. Considered a major figure in the history of the New Zealand Labour Party, he was in office longer than any other Labour prime minister, and is to date New Zealand's fourth-longest-serving head of government. Born and raised in the Scottish Highlands, Fraser left education early in order to support his family. While working in London in 1908, Fraser joined the Independent Labour Party, but unemployment led him to emigrate to New Zealand in 1910.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

On arrival in Auckland, he gained employment as a wharfie and became involved in union politics upon joining the New Zealand Socialist Party. In 1916, Fraser was involved in the foundation of the unified Labour Party. He spent one year in jail for sedition after speaking out against conscription during the First World War. In 1918, Fraser won a Wellington by-election and entered the House of Representatives. Fraser became a cabinet minister in 1935, serving under Michael Joseph Savage.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He held several portfolios and had a particular interest in education, which he considered...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Peter Fraser