More Info →"A Rest Before the Last Leg"

Description: This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on the 7th of October 1975 and was published with the caption "Edna King, of Whangarei, keeps one eye on proceedings at the Lions garden in the Square, and the other on "Evening Standard" coverage of the March."

The image accompanied the article reproduced below, which was written by the Evening Standard and NZPA.

“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.

Last night there was a prediction that the Te Roopu O Te Matakite could attract 100,000 followers in Wellington.

Mr. Willie Wilson of Rotorua, a representative of march leader Mrs Whenua [sic] Cooper, made the estimate at a Press conference called by the Wellington organisers to give details of the march’s arrival in Wellington.

‘Mrs Cooper has dreamt there will be 50,000 people, but present indications point to the number being 100,000.’ Mr Wilson said.

If his prediction turns out to be true the committee will be in trouble, for they expect only 10,000.”