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“Civic Ceremony – Twenty-Six People Become Natuaralised”

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Description: These images were taken for the September 3rd 1978 edition of the Tribune weekly newspaper – the first of which was published with the caption: “Mr Kam Shing IP is congratulated during the naturalisation ceremony.”

The short article read: “The largest number of people ever to become naturalised New Zealanders at once in Palmerston North went through the short affirmation of allegiance ceremony in the city last week.

The occasion took place in the Palmerston North City Council Chamber - and there were so many people that normal practice had to be dispensed with. Normally the ceremony occurs during an ordinary council meeting. But with 26 people for the ceremony on Wednesday, special arrangements were made for the ceremony to be held "on its own". Most city councillors turned up to watch the proceedings, which were conducted by the Mayor, Mr B. G. C. Elwood, assisted by the town clerk, Mr P. Apthorp. Both wore ceremonial dress for the occasion.

Mr Elwood called it "a very simple, very dignified ceremony", It was only a small step for those taking part, "but it is a most important occasion in the lives of you all." A telegram of best wishes was received from the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Highet, and the department was represented by Mrs Shirley Anderson.

Mr Elwood said the people undergoing the ceremony would enjoy the same rights and obligations other New Zealand citizens. He hoped that those people becoming New Zealanders "will enjoy wearing this citizenship proudly.” Those people taking out naturalisation were from China, Belgium, Greece, Holland, Rhodesia, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, Yugoslavia, Tonga, Ireland, the United States, Western Samoa, and Kenya.”

These images form part of the Manawatū Evening Standard Negative Collection. Unfortunately, only negatives between April and December 1978 are held.