The Municipal Opera House that once graced Church Street has a long and storied history.

Selecting the design for the building was a challenging process and several rounds of tenders were called before a design that met the approval of the Council and also the budget requirements could be found.

Works began June 1904, though the foundation stone wasn't put in place until November of that year. The building was only partially funded when construction began and fundraising continued throughout the build.

It was opened by Mayor Maurice Cohen on November 12, 1905 to great fanfare. Some accounts say that the opening day almost ended in disaster after too many curious attendees chose to visit the upper gallery at once, leading to signs of visible sagging.

The facilities were used for a variety of events over the years, including as a movie theatre, concert hall, meeting place, events hall, and a venue for sports, particularly wrestling.

It was renovated inside and out in the 1950s after being condemned as unsafe. The work including substantial reinforcement throughout and an extensive remodeling of the exterior. After many further years of useful service, declining usage numbers led to the building being sold in 1992. It was demolished in 1996.

The last event to be held was a Massey University Graduation.

Do you have a memory or memorabilia to share? Get in touch with us at heritage.pncc.govt.nz

Journalist Tina White's weekly "Memory Lane" article in the Manawatū Standard. A new book,* Power: Electrical Supply to the Manawatū* by Colin Rush looks back at the history of local power supply since 1878. The author joined the Manawatū-Oroua Electric Power Board in 1968 and is a member of the Friends of the Powerhouse (2014).
Keith Street power station is one of New Zealand's few surviving power stations with operational engines. The station, built in the 1920s to supply power to the region, is now a heritage community asset, under the care of a Trust.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts her arrival at the showgrounds and introduction to Mayor W. B. Tennant and other dignitaries.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts the 75th Squadron on parade before the Royal dais. Cuba Street runs behind the grandstand packed with watching members of the public.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image is believed to depict the Queen Mother being introduced to the officer commanding the parade, Squadron Leader G. Amor.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

Mayor W. B. Tennant and other civic dignitaries await the Queen Mother’s arrival at the Showgrounds.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts the Royal Coat of Arms on display at the Showgrounds.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image is similar to one published in black and white by the Manawatu Evening Standard on 7th February 1958, the caption of which read: “The bright colourings which assisted to impress the scene on the thousands of persons at the Showgrounds yesterday will not soon be forgotten. The Queen Mother, dressed in dainty pink, was contrasted against the deep red, green and silver of the Royal Dais… behind her [in brown uniform] is the commander of the R.N.Z.A.F. Ohakea (Group Captain C. A. Turner)…”

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image the Squadron Standard on parade after its formal presentation by the Queen Mother. The Manawatu Evening Standard reported that the Standard consisted of a “…fringed and tasselled light blue silken banner mounted on a pike which is crowned with a golden eagle. Eight selected battle honours (No. 75 Squadron has a total of 14 Battle Honours) are in scrolls surrounding the Squadron Badge. The whole is enclosed in a decorative border of golden fern fronds.”

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

Mayor W. B. Tennant introduces the Queen Mother to civic dignitaries in front of the Grandstand before the ceremony.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts her arrival at the showgrounds and introduction to Mayor W. B. Tennant and other dignitaries.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts the Standard being received by Pilot Officer T. E. Enright, who was the recipient of the Queen’s Gold Medal and the Sword of Honour as the top-ranking cadet at both Halton College and Cranwell in England.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image is similar to one published in black and white by the Manawatu Evening Standard on 7th February 1958, the caption of which read: “The bright colourings which assisted to impress the scene on the thousands of persons at the Showgrounds yesterday will not soon be forgotten. The Queen Mother, dressed in dainty pink, was contrasted against the deep red, green and silver of the Royal Dais… behind her [in brown uniform] is the commander of the R.N.Z.A.F. Ohakea (Group Captain C. A. Turner)…”

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.
"

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

Mayor W. B. Tennant escorts the Queen Mother past the crowds in the Grandstand before the ceremony.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts her arrival at the showgrounds and introduction to Mayor W. B. Tennant and other dignitaries.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts her arrival at the showgrounds and introduction to Mayor W. B. Tennant and other dignitaries.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image is believed to depict the R.N.Z.A.F. Ohakea Group Captain C. A. Turner.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts her arrival at the showgrounds and introduction to Mayor W. B. Tennant and other dignitaries.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts the Rev. M. N. Dickey, chaplain at the RNZAF Ohakea airbase, performing the consecration of the Squadron Standard.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts members of a Scottish pipe band at rest to the side of the Royal Dais. Cuba Street runs in the background behind the public grandstand.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts the 75th Squadron band before the Royal dais.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts the 75th Squadron on parade before the Royal dais. Cuba Street runs behind the grandstand packed with watching members of the public.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts her arrival at the showgrounds and introduction to Mayor W. B. Tennant and other dignitaries.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts the officer commanding the parade, Squadron Leader G. Amor.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

This image depicts Elizabeth’s arrival in a Ford Zodiac Limousine.
Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

In a formal ceremony held at the Showgrounds in Palmerston North, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, presented the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 75 Squadron with a Standard for ‘specially outstanding operations’.

Elizabeth’s 1958 visit to Palmerston North was part of a wider Royal tour of New Zealand which also included stops in Auckland, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In the South Island, she visited Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch.

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on 15th December 1965 "David Kenyon (Best all-round boy, Terrace End.) [Image also repeated on 16th December 1965]

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on 15th December 1965 "Paulene Waugh (Equal runner-up, Terrace End.) [Image also repeated on 16th December 1965]

Local historians weekly "Back Issues" article in the Manawatū Standard. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. First held in 1975, local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

Telethon 1981 was held on 27 June 1981 and raised funds for the International Year of Disabled Persons.
The main event in Palmerston North was held at the Rainbow Stadium and attracted a number of national and international celebrities.

Title page reads, "MANAWATU THEATRE SOCIETY
proudly presents

BARNUM
THE CIRCUS MUSICAL

May 28 - June 6 1987
Palmerston North Opera House

MUSIC BY
CY
COLEMAN

LYRICS BY
MICHAEL
STEWART

BOOK BY
MARK
BRAMBLE

DIRECTED BY
ROBERT RIMMER

MUSICALLY DIRECTED BY
STEPHEN FISHER

CHOREOGRAPHED BY
VAL BOLTER

SET DESIGN
WANGANUI AMDRAM

WARDROBE DESIGN WANGANUI AMDRAM

TECHNICAL DESIGN
CHARLIE FORBES"