author
R. M. (Ronald Macmillan) Algie
1888–1978
A sharp-minded New Zealand lawyer, professor, and politician, he moved from the classroom into public life and became one of Parliament’s best-known debaters. He later served as Minister of Education and as Speaker of the House, earning a reputation for firmness, courtesy, and old-school principle.
1 Audiobook
Report of the Juvenile Delinquency Committee
by R. M. (Ronald Macmillan) Algie
About the author
Born in Wyndham, Southland, on 22 October 1888, Ronald Macmillan Algie studied at the University of Otago and went on to build a strong academic career in law. He taught at Victoria University College and then at the University of Auckland, where he became professor of law and was known as a gifted lecturer with high standards.
Algie entered national politics as the member for Remuera and served for more than two decades in the New Zealand Parliament. He was Minister of Education from 1949 to 1957, and later Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1961 to 1966. Biographical sources describe him as a formidable debater who still valued politeness and restraint.
He was knighted in 1964. Remembered as both a scholar and a public servant, Algie left a mark on New Zealand through his work in legal education, government, and parliamentary life.