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Thousands Sing a Hymn Outside St Paul's Cathedral

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Description: The first image in this set was taken by staff photographer Phil Green and was published in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 5th September 1974.

An article on the 4th of September read, "Inside St Paul's the choir started "The Lord is my Shepherd" - and the crowd which by now packed the cathedral grounds was quiet. Heavy rain began falling shortly after the service began. The large crowd outside huddled under umbrellas, but some just stood bare-headed."

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.