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"Te Roopu O Te Matakite Comes to the City"

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Description: These images were taken for the Manawatu Evening Standard on 6 October 1975 - the first of which was published in a photo spread on 8 October under the headline ‘Te Roopu O Te Matakite comes to the city.’

Led by Pouwhenua bearer Cyril Chapman, Whina Cooper draws marchers into the Square via the Post Office entrance.

The previous days article describing the arrival of marchers into Palmerston North is reproduced below.

“The Maori land marchers rested in Palmerston North today before moving on to Shannon tomorrow.

Their entrance into the city yesterday gained impetus as they sang their way down Rangitikei Street, led by Te Roopu O Te Matekite president, Whina Cooper.

Their ranks swelled as local Maoris joined their friends and relatives, amid hugging and kissing.

Behind the cloaked leaders the 200 marchers sang in the magical Maori way, unaccompanied, but in striking harmony.

The column went round the Square to the sound shell on the Post Office side where it was met by local Maoris and Rangitane Maori Committee patron Robert Governor.

They were greeted with prayers, hymns and welcoming speeches. Later, they marched off to the Maori Battalion Hall.

The crowd that followed the marchers to the welcoming site applauded the songs.

Tomorrow, Maoris from the east coast who have joined them here, will continue their march on Parliament.”