A reception for 350 old Palmerstonians was held at Caccia Birch house, as part of the celebrations to mark 100 years of the Borough of Palmerston North. Here Mr Norman Kirk, leader of the Labour Opposition, is seen talking to one of the local identities.

The Honourable Norman Kirk, Prime Minister of New Zealand, 1972-1974 opening St Peter's College on August 18, 1974. The Roman Catholic School was Palmerston North's fifth secondary school, and was blessed by the Archbishop of Wellington, the most Rev. R J Delargey. The school cost about $1 million and caters for 800 students from form one to seven. At the time of opening the school roll was about 700, comprising of pupils from two Catholic high schools and an intermediate school.

The first image in this pair was taken by staff photographer Phil Green, for a story that ran in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 4th September 1974.

"The coffin was piled high with flowers and karaka branches."

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.

This image was taken by staff photographer Phil Green, for a story that ran in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 4th September 1974.

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.

The first image in this pair was taken by staff photographer Phil Green for a story in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 5th September 1974.

"Bikies," once the late Prime Minister's opponents, went to the capital and paid homage to a man that one motor cyclist described as "big-hearted and strong in his convictions." One Cyclist said: "We met our match, and we grew to have a lot of respect for Big Norm." Mr Kirk had made a pre-election pledge to break up large assemblies of motor cyclists at a time when there were many violent outbursts in centres throughout New Zealand." ... "The Black Power gang of motor cyclists joined the pilgrimage to the casket on the Hill and laid the most prized possession - leather jacket with the "Black Power" patch sewed on the back. After a brief debate at the back of Parliament with certain dignitaries, the bikie symbol of sorrow was permitted to go with the more orthodox wreaths to St Paul's Cathedral."

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.

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

"Kirk's State funeral will be on TV. The NZBC is to carry live television and radio coverage of the state funeral for Mr Norman Kirk tomorrow and his burial at Waimate on Thursday." ... "Details of the coverage were announced by the Director-General of the NZBC, Mr L. Sceats. Tomorrow network television and the national radio programme will start a special programme at 10.40 a.m. and will follow the movement of the casket from Parliament Buildings to St Paul's Cathedral in Wellington."

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.

The first image in this pair was taken by staff photographer Phil Green, for a story that ran in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 4th September 1974.

"By day and night they came. Mourners wait in the rain to pay their last respects."

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.

This first image in this pair was taken by staff photographer Phil Green and published in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 4th September 1974. The text below appeared in the newspaper the previous day.

"Hammers still pound and a crane rumbles on the Beehive construction, next door. But conversation among the workers, the scurrying housewives and the more dapperly dressed reverts to the Hill and the question. Who will fill the sudden vacuum left by the 29th Prime Minister?"

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.

The first image in this pair was taken by staff photographer Phil Green, for a story that ran in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 4th September 1974.

"The skirl of Wally Gordon's bagpipes playing a lament wafted through the rooms of Parliament last night. With the consent of the late Prime Minister's son Raymond, the ageing Scott who played at Peter Fraser's funeral gave his all. "It is a tragic loss," said the piper who for many years in his working life fitted the Prime Minister with suits. "A fine stature of a man.""

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.

The first image in this pair was taken by staff photographer Phil Green, for a story that ran in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 4th September 1974.

"A man signs one of five books of remembrance in the foyer of the House."

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.

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.

These unpublished images were taken by staff photographer Phil Green, for a story that ran in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 5th September 1974.

"...overseas dignitaries who attended Mr Kirk's funeral will have left by the end of the week. Most left today." ... "Others who left yesterday included Canada's representative, Mr R. J. Perrault, leader of the Government in the Senate, the Prime Minister of Fiji, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, former Japanese Foreign Minister Mr Zentaro Kosaka, Mr Edward Short, Lord President of the Privy Council and leader of Britain's House of Commons, and Hotswana's woman High Commissioner in London, Mrs G. Chiepe. Mr Michael Somare, Chief Minister of Papua-New Guinea, Prince Tu'ipelehake, Prime Minister of Tonga and the United States Representative, Mr P. J. Breannan America's Secretary of Labour, left today."

It is likely the cars photographed at the Wellington Airport were to transport VIPs.

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.

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

Text about Prince Charles' attendance was published in articles of The Manawatū Evening Standard from 2 September and ended with his departure on 5 September 1974.

"Prince Charles will represent the Queen at the funeral of the Prime Minister, Norman Kirk." ... "Prince Charles, visiting dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps had arrived in a steady stream." ... "Prince Charles wearing the dress uniform of the Royal Navy walked into the cathedral looking serious." ... "Prince Charles sat at the front of the cathedral with the Govenor-General Sir Denis Blundell and Lady Blundell. Near him sat Mrs Kirk with her youngest daughter Robyn, and other members of the family." ... "Politicians and their wives sat behind prince Charles." ... "Prince Charles left Wellington Airport by Royal Air Force VC10 late last night to return to Britain."

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.

The first image in this pair was taken by staff photographer Phil Green, for a story that ran in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 4th September 1974.

"The Duke of Edinburgh pays his last respects with a wreath laid by the RSA's Dominion President Mr W. D. Leuchats."

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.

The first image in this set was taken by staff photographer Phil Green, for a story that ran in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 4th September 1974.

"The Australian Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam at Wellington airport after his arrival last night." ... "He was a very dear and respected friend'" he said as he was whisked through the rain from the terminal to a waiting limousine." ... "The relationship between Australia and New Zealand are so close that we share the grief of New Zealand."

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.

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

"Maori elder of the Waikato tribe, Kohe Crown and Mr Muldoon step out of St Paul's Cathedral"

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.

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

"The hearse about to enter the Air Force Hercules which carried the casket from the Capital to Christchurch."

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.

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

"A police party, flanked by cabinet ministers, carries the casket" ... to a waiting hearse to travel ... "from Parliament to St Paul's Cathedral."

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.

The first image in this set was taken by staff photographer Phil Green, for a story that ran in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 4th September 1974.

"Hundreds wept in the rain, and thousands more bowed their heads as Mr Kirk's casket was borne from Parliament Buildings to St Paul's Cathedral, just a short distance away." ... "Cabinet Ministers, who had lifted the casket from the honoured position in the Parliament's foyer to the top of the steps, flanked the casket as it slowly descended to the waiting hearse." A police party of eight carried it down, while the chairman of committees, Mr R. L. Bailey, walked behind.

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.

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.

"Heads bow in grief and respect as the first of thousands begin to file around the Prime Minister's coffin in Parliament Buildings."

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.

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

"The hearse passes through a guard of honour at the airport."

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.

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Everitt, and Mr. Noel Sheffield Everitt, originally of Masterton, visited Palmerston North for their honeymoon in 1942. The items in this collection are the result of their stay at the Grand Hotel (The Square).

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Everitt, and Mr. Noel Sheffield Everitt, originally of Masterton, visited Palmerston North for their honeymoon in 1942. The items in this collection are the result of their stay at the Grand Hotel (The Square).

The menu reads,

"GRAND HOTEL
The Square Palmerston North
J. P. HOARE, Proprietor

BREAKFAST
8 a.m. till 9.30 a.m.

FRUIT

Prunes

CEREALS
Oatmeal Porridge
Cornflakes
Rolled Oats
French Pancakes

FISH

Terehiki

EGGS
Boiled
Scrambled Plain,
Poached on Toast
Parsley.
Fried

OMELETTES
Plain,
Sweet,
Savoury,
Tomato,
Ham,
Kidney

GRILLS (10 minutes)
Rump Steak and Fried Onions.
Tenderloin Steak and Fried Onions.
Loin Chops.
Grilled Bacon.
Cambridge Sausages.
French Cutlets and Bacon
Devilled Kidneys
Kidney and Bacon
Ham

FRIED
Lambs' Fry and Bacon.
Ham and Eggs.
Bacon and Eggs

PRESERVES
Strawberry,
Raspberry,
Apricot,
Orange Marmalade.
Peach,
Cape Gooseberry"

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Everitt, and Mr. Noel Sheffield Everitt, originally of Masterton, visited Palmerston North for their honeymoon in 1942. The items in this collection are the result of their stay at the Grand Hotel (The Square).

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Everitt, and Mr. Noel Sheffield Everitt, originally of Masterton, visited Palmerston North for their honeymoon in 1942. The items in this collection are the result of their stay at the Grand Hotel (The Square).

In 1912 four moa footprints were found close to the Fitzroy Street section of the river. Their discovery was one of the first of its kind in New Zealand.

They were found by Henry Cole after a flood had washed away the bank exposing the footprints in a bed of stiff blue clay, called papa. Initially the prints were cut out of the papa. While these no longer exist plaster casts were also made and these are held by Te Manawa, the museum of Palmerston North.

The moa in question was probably a large species called Dinornis novaezelandiae. The footprints found measured 45.5cm wide and just over 30cm from the tip of its middle toe to its heel. Its stride was 76 cm.

In 1912 four moa footprints were found close to the Fitzroy Street section of the river. Their discovery was one of the first of its kind in New Zealand.

They were found by Henry Cole (believed to be seated at left) after a flood had washed away the bank exposing the footprints in a bed of stiff blue clay, called papa. Initially the prints were cut out of the papa. While these no longer exist plaster casts were also made and these are held by Te Manawa, the museum of Palmerston North.

The moa in question was probably a large species called Dinornis novaezelandiae. The footprints found measured 45.5cm wide and just over 30cm from the tip of its middle toe to its heel. Its stride was 76 cm.

The cover of this booklet reads, "Sir J.M. Barrie's Immortal Peter Pan being the joint presentation by the Palmerston North Operatic Society (Inc.), the Manawatu Repertory Society (Inc.) [and] the Palmerston North Little Theatre Society (Inc.) in conjunction with the Palmerston North City Council on the occasion of the re-opening of the Opera House. Formal opening: Saturday, 19th March 1955. Season: 19th to 26th March, 1955 (inclusive)."

This image depicts Te Roopu o te Matakite - the Māori Land March on Andrew Young Street, on their way to Te Rau Aroha - Māori Battalion Hall.

Looking towards the Ruahine Street and Main Street intersection.

The building in the foreground right was 236 Ruahine street, occupied by I.R. Bremner Ladies Outfitters. It was demolished in 1969 to make way for the Terrace End Branch of the ANZ Bank, which erected a new building on the site in 1986.

The three red roofed houses on the left are numbers 237, 239 and 241 Ruahine Street.

This slide was likely created by David Evans of the City Council's Planning Office. M D (David) Evans was a planning assistant from 1955 to 1968, Deputy City Planner from 1968 to 1978 and Senior Planning Officer (Design and Development) from 1978-1988.