More Info →"Rowling in top form at opening"

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on 1 November 1978 “Labour promise to get nation working” and “Rowling in top form at opening”. Labour leader Bill Rowling opened his general election campaign at Palmerston North’s Opera House with a rousing speech to over 1000 supporters on Tuesday 31 October. The Standard reported that, like many political events of recent times, the event was almost a pre-sold affair. Party faithful were granted early admission an hour and half before the public, ensuring a ‘full house’ fifteen minutes after general admittance was granted. When the odd heckler was heard during the event, their voices were quickly put down by other audience members. Spotted in the crowd are Labour spokesperson on social welfare and family affairs Whetu Tirikatene-Smith, former MP for Palmerston North Joe Walding, candidate for Rangitikei Max Hodgson, and Labour candidate for Manawatu Trevor de Cleene.