More Info →2023N_2017-20_041365_051

Description

This first image in this set was taken by staff photographer Phil Green, for a story that ran in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 3rd September 1974.

"Until 11 last night, the pilgrimage walked on through light rain up the Hill to Parliament, in uncertain silence. Again at dawn today it continued and the number of ordinary citizens who filed past the Labour leader's casket in homage swelled to thousands."

On the 4th of September it was reported, "The stream of people was its heaviest last night in spite of an hour-long wait in the rain. It is estimated that about 1000 people an hour were signing the five books of remembrance at the peoples' exit through the basement. Mourners of all ages, race and creed have paid homage to the late Prime Minister, from the youngest baby to nonagenarians."

Norman Kirk was the 29th Prime Minister of Aotearoa New Zealand. Leader of the Labour Party since 1965, he became Prime Minister in 1972. Affectionately known as “Big Norm,” his popularity, commanding presence, and commitment to government earned him respect throughout Aotearoa and the Pacific Islands. When he died suddenly in office on 31 August 1974 at the age of 51, there was a huge outpouring of public grief. The entire nation stopped and mourned. His state funeral was held 4 September 1974 at St Paul’s Cathedral in Wellington, and he was buried at Waimate Cemetery in the South Island. Norman Kirk was the 5th New Zealand Premier or Prime Minister to die in office.

Identification

Object type

Image

Archive

Manawatū Evening Standard Negative Collection

Relation

2017-20

Date

September 3, 1974

Digitisation ID

2023N_2017-20_041365_051

Format

B&W negative

Held In

"Other"