Local historians weekly "Back Issues" article in the Manawatū Standard. The significance of the Kowhai tree and the history of Feilding. Before World War 1, Feilding botanist and plant man Lewis Thomas Brown was passionate about adopting kōwhai as the national flower of New Zealand. The Feilding Beautifying Society instigated 'Kōwhai Day" in 1910, ecouraging everyone to celebrate the day and wear a kōwhai bouquet. The society raised funds to enable a planted area in South Street to be officially opened as a park and suggested that it was named Kōwhai Park. In recent times, several Feilding sporting clubs include the kōwhai flower in club colours and insignia.

Local historians weekly "Back Issues" article in the Manawatū Standard. History of the Kosy Theatre, which opened in 1915 near the Post Office Building in The Square. Wartime footage and movies attracted audiences in its first years. The theatre converted to talkies in 1930. In 1943, the modified building reopened as the Vogue Theatre, which closed in 1958.

Programme prepared for Central Normal School's 100th Anniversary in 1973. Held over three days; 23rd to 25th March; The Centenary was widely attended by past pupils and staff.

McKenzies NZ Ltd department store and supermarket in Levin, which opened 1971.

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.

This photograph shows the shops to the immediate north of the Post Office. From left: the Kosy Theatre (rebuilt as the Vogue Theatre in 1943) exhibiting Mae West's movie "The Belle of the Nineties"; Aard Tours Ltd; Miss Rae's Hosiery and Gloves (Margaret Rae); DB Patel and Co Fruiterer (Patel Dayal); Miss Rae's; J H Gilchrist Land Agent (upper storey). Several carrier's trucks are parked outside the shops - one has the words "Masterton & Pahiatua" written on it.

The Lower Turitea Dam was originally completed in 1907 but was raised to 50 feet in 1912. It was officially opened February 17, 1913. This enlarged dam remained in use until 1957 when a 100 ft high dam was constructed. The spillway is on the left.

The first in this set of images was taken for a story published in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 3rd December 1973.

"An 88-strong armada of rafts makes its way down the Manawatu River yesterday during the Awapuni Jaycees' fourth annual raft race. The 5.2-mile race, from Te Matai Road to the Fitzherbert Avenue Bridge was won by a six-man crew from the Valuation Department."... "Second place went to the Maw Haws Social Club"... "and third to the Mr Whippy Icecream raft."

"One raft travelled only a few yards before overturning, while four others broke up during the journey. A further three had to be pulled out. Submerged logs between Albert Street and Victoria Avenue made conditions tricky for competitors as they swept through the area."

This was the Awapuni Jaycees’ fourth annual raft race. The 5.2-mile race from Te Matai Road to the Fitzherbert Bridge was a popular outing, attracting 88 competing crews and between 3000 to 4000 spectators. The money raised was used for community charity development.

The first image in this pair was taken for a story published in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 4th December 1973.

"Palmerston North's new mobile library "hit the road" yesterday. Driver and librarian Mr K. J. Harrington checks books before going to the first stop at Highbury. The new mobile is the largest of its type in New Zealand, holding 1200 more books than the next largest."

The new mobile library replaced the caravan library that had been in use since 1969. 30ft long, 8ft wide, 11ft tall, and weighing 5 tons 16cwt, the vehicle was painted in two shades of blue and bore a library adaption of the Palmerston North coat of arms.

Equipped with a cross-section of books from central library stock, the mobile library was able to cover the city in more depth than the previous caravan. Special attention was given to new housing areas and those with young children and the elderly. Lending materials included also art prints, magazines and records.

$12,000 of the $17,000 required had been saved over 4 years of library operations. At the time the annual turnover of mobile library books was 100,000. That was expected to double within two years, with the new mobile library serving the community for twenty.

The first in this set of unpublished images was taken for a story in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 3rd December 1973.

Crew captains raced to their rafts... "after the starting gun had been fired by Manawatu's Miss Commonwealth Games Hostess, Teressa Parker."

This was the Awapuni Jaycees’ fourth annual raft race. The 5.2-mile race from Te Matai Road to the Fitzherbert Bridge was a popular outing, attracting 88 competing crews and between 3000 to 4000 spectators. The race proved too much for some of the homemade rafts. One capsized and four others broke up on the journey down the river. The money raised was used for community charity development.

The first in this set of unpublished images was taken for a story in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 3rd December 1973.

"It was a Le Mans-type start at Te Matai Road, with the crew captains racing to their rafts after the starting gun had been fired."

This was the Awapuni Jaycees’ fourth annual raft race. The 5.2-mile race from Te Matai Road to the Fitzherbert Bridge was a popular outing, attracting 88 competing crews and between 3000 to 4000 spectators. The race proved too much for some of the homemade rafts. One capsized and four others broke up on the journey down the river. The money raised was used for community charity development.

This set of unpublished images was taken for a story published in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 3rd December 1973.

The race was "won by a six-man crew from the Valuation Department. It comprised John Clendin, Dave Roxburgh, Bob Mitchell, Dave Taylor, Peter Doherty and Alan Faulkner. Second place went to the Maw Haws Social Club"... "and third to the Mr Whippy Icecream raft."

This was the Awapuni Jaycees’ fourth annual raft race. The 5.2-mile race from Te Matai Road to the Fitzherbert Bridge was a popular outing, attracting 88 competing crews and between 3000 to 4000 spectators. The race proved too much for some of the homemade rafts. One capsized and four others broke up on the journey down the river. The money raised was used for community charity development.

The first in this set of images was taken for a story published in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 3rd December 1973.

"To the victors, certainly not the spoils, but heaps of flour. As the Valuation Department team drifted under the Fitzherbert Bridge yesterday after winning the Awapuni Jaycee raft race, spectators pelted it with flour, carrots, eggs and other missiles. Bob Mitchell is seen being coated by this well-aimed flour bomb."

The winning team was comprised of... "John Clendin, Dave Roxburgh, Bob Mitchell, Dave Taylor, Peter Doherty and Alan Faulkner."

This was the Awapuni Jaycees’ fourth annual raft race. The 5.2-mile race from Te Matai Road to the Fitzherbert Bridge was a popular outing, attracting 88 competing crews and between 3000 to 4000 spectators. The race proved too much for some of the homemade rafts. One capsized and four others broke up on the journey down the river. The money raised was used for community charity development.

This image was taken for a story published in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 22nd November 1973.

"Mr Eric Christensen (left) and Mr Peter Price put up shelves in Palmerston North's new mobile library, which should be in use within two weeks."

The new mobile library replaced the caravan library that had been in use since 1969. 30ft long, 8ft wide, 11ft tall, and weighing 5 tons 16cwt, the vehicle was painted in two shades of blue and bore a library adaption of the Palmerston North coat of arms.

Equipped with a cross-section of books from central library stock, the mobile library was able to cover the city in more depth than the previous caravan. Special attention was given to new housing areas and those with young children and the elderly. Lending materials included also art prints, magazines and records.

$12,000 of the $17,000 required had been saved over 4 years of library operations. At the time the annual turnover of mobile library books was 100,000. That was expected to double within two years, with the new mobile library serving the community for twenty.

This image was taken for a story published in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 22nd November 1973.

"The city librarian, Mr I.W. Malcolm, and the deputy librarian, Miss N.M. Irvine, admire the new mobile library."

The new mobile library replaced the caravan library that had been in use since 1969. 30ft long, 8ft wide, 11ft tall, and weighing 5 tons 16cwt, the vehicle was painted in two shades of blue and bore a library adaption of the Palmerston North coat of arms.

Equipped with a cross-section of books from central library stock, the mobile library was able to cover the city in more depth than the previous caravan. Special attention was given to new housing areas and those with young children and the elderly. Lending materials included also art prints, magazines and records.

$12,000 of the $17,000 required had been saved over 4 years of library operations. At the time the annual turnover of mobile library books was 100,000. That was expected to double within two years, with the new mobile library serving the community for twenty.

Local historians weekly "Back Issues" article in the Manawatū Standard. Mounted on the wall of the Palmerston North Brass Band room is a bass drum with more than 100 years of history. The instrument traces its playing days back to World War 1 and was last restored in 2024 to become the band's mascot.

The 10th Annual New Zealand Scouting Jamboree was held in Feilding in January 1984. Held between the 2nd and 10th, Scout groups from across the country were able to take part in events that taught skills (farming tasks, accident response training with the Red Cross, physical challenge course, running a Fair Day) with a hefty dose of fun as well (abseiling, Pentathlon, rafting, mini-golf, trail bike riding, snorkelling, water-slides and archery).

This audio accompanies a series of images thought to have been used in a presentation about the success of the event. You can view the images on Manawatū Heritage here.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm was the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.” He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

The 10th Annual New Zealand Scouting Jamboree was held in Feilding in January 1984. Held between the 2nd and 10th, Scout groups from across the country were able to take part in events that taught skills (farming tasks, accident response training with the Red Cross, physical challenge course, running a Fair Day) with a hefty dose of fun as well (abseiling, Pentathlon, rafting, mini-golf, trail bike riding, snorkelling, water-slides and archery).

These images form the backdrop for a presentation about the event, the audio of which is available on Manawatū Heritage here.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm was the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.” He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

Located at the top of Bruce Road on Mount Ruapehu, this Scout lodge was built in 1984 and is used as the base for Scouts Snow School.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm was the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.” He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

Located at the top of Bruce Road on Mount Ruapehu, this Scout lodge was built in 1984 and is used as the base for Scouts Snow School.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm was the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.” He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

Located at the top of Bruce Road on Mount Ruapehu, this Scout lodge was built in 1984 and is used as the base for Scouts Snow School.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm was the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.” He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

This image depicts P. Malcolm, B. Malcolm and J. Perry working on floor joists. Located at the top of Bruce Road on Mount Ruapehu, this Scout lodge was built in 1984 and is used as the base for Scouts Snow School.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm was the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.” He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

This image depicts from left, L. Berry, B. Berry, B. Malcolm, B. Young and G. Child standing on construction floor covering. Located at the top of Bruce Road on Mount Ruapehu, this Scout lodge was built in 1984 and is used as the base for Scouts Snow School.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm was the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.” He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

This image depicts an army team called in to help deal with large protruding rocks. Located at the top of Bruce Road on Mount Ruapehu, this Scout lodge was built in 1984 and is used as the base for Scouts Snow School.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm was the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.” He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

Located at the top of Bruce Road on Mount Ruapehu, this Scout lodge was built in 1984 and is used as the base for Scouts Snow School.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm was the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.” He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm (in partnership with brother Bruce) was responsible for many new builds in the Manawatū area between 1951 and 1999. The Malcolm brothers took over their father’s construction firm B. C. Malcolm and Sons in 1960. The pair developed expertise in pre-fabricating timber frames in the workshop which could be crafted in the workshop and moved to sites in better weather conditions. They were also involved in Weathercrete Coatings Ltd and Homes Development Ltd. Keith serves as President of the Manawatu Master Builders Association in 1967 and 1968.

Keith was also heavily involved in the Scouts, and served as the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.”
He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm (in partnership with brother Bruce) was responsible for many new builds in the Manawatū area between 1951 and 1999. The Malcolm brothers took over their father’s construction firm B. C. Malcolm and Sons in 1960. The pair developed expertise in pre-fabricating timber frames in the workshop which could be crafted in the workshop and moved to sites in better weather conditions. They were also involved in Weathercrete Coatings Ltd and Homes Development Ltd. Keith serves as President of the Manawatu Master Builders Association in 1967 and 1968.

Keith was also heavily involved in the Scouts, and served as the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.”
He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm (in partnership with brother Bruce) was responsible for many new builds in the Manawatū area between 1951 and 1999. The Malcolm brothers took over their father’s construction firm B. C. Malcolm and Sons in 1960. The pair developed expertise in pre-fabricating timber frames in the workshop which could be crafted in the workshop and moved to sites in better weather conditions. They were also involved in Weathercrete Coatings Ltd and Homes Development Ltd. Keith serves as President of the Manawatu Master Builders Association in 1967 and 1968.

Keith was also heavily involved in the Scouts, and served as the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.”
He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm (in partnership with brother Bruce) was responsible for many new builds in the Manawatū area between 1951 and 1999. The Malcolm brothers took over their father’s construction firm B. C. Malcolm and Sons in 1960. The pair developed expertise in pre-fabricating timber frames in the workshop which could be crafted in the workshop and moved to sites in better weather conditions. They were also involved in Weathercrete Coatings Ltd and Homes Development Ltd. Keith serves as President of the Manawatu Master Builders Association in 1967 and 1968.

Keith was also heavily involved in the Scouts, and served as the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.”
He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm (in partnership with brother Bruce) was responsible for many new builds in the Manawatū area between 1951 and 1999. The Malcolm brothers took over their father’s construction firm B. C. Malcolm and Sons in 1960. The pair developed expertise in pre-fabricating timber frames in the workshop which could be crafted in the workshop and moved to sites in better weather conditions. They were also involved in Weathercrete Coatings Ltd and Homes Development Ltd. Keith serves as President of the Manawatu Master Builders Association in 1967 and 1968.

Keith was also heavily involved in the Scouts, and served as the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.”
He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.

Building Contractor Keith Malcolm (in partnership with brother Bruce) was responsible for many new builds in the Manawatū area between 1951 and 1999. The Malcolm brothers took over their father’s construction firm B. C. Malcolm and Sons in 1960. The pair developed expertise in pre-fabricating timber frames in the workshop which could be crafted in the workshop and moved to sites in better weather conditions. They were also involved in Weathercrete Coatings Ltd and Homes Development Ltd. Keith serves as President of the Manawatu Master Builders Association in 1967 and 1968.

Keith was also heavily involved in the Scouts, and served as the New Zealand Scouts Area Commissioner for Rangitane area, which ran from Featherston to Norsewood on the east coast and Otaki to Waverley on the west coast. He was Chairman of the organising committee and Camp Chief during this Jamboree. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported on 5 January 1984, "He's the man who for two years has been in charge of a team of hundreds of workers preparing the jamboree site and programme for more than 6000 scouts.”
He was awarded an MBE in 1973 and received a City Council Civic Award in 1994.