On this day in 1967, the disappearance of Prime Minister, Harold Holt was making headlines across the country.
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The Canberra Times featured stories on Mr Holt detailing continuing search and rescue efforts.
Despite intense search efforts, rough conditions with strong currents, winds of 20 knots and cold squalls around the site of his disappearance indicated that he would not be found alive.
Zara Holt, wife of Mr Holt, appeared un-hopeful when she visited search headquarters to thank workers. Mr Holt's press secretary said "I think Mrs Holt has steeled herself for the worst".
Zara was tearful when addressing media on the Nepean Penninsula where her husband had disappeared while swimming.
"I think I can say we have just about given up, I think our last hopes have drained away" she said.
After extensive efforts, The Governor-General, Lord Casey officially announced that the search for Mr Holt had been unsuccessful and that he would swear-in the Country Party Leader, John McEwan as Prime Minister until the Parliamentary Liberal Party met to elect its new leader in the New Year.
![Times Past: December 19, 1967 Times Past: December 19, 1967](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/A9aJSUPCxxfWNfHgDYTTQ/92a7cd76-1759-4b6a-9933-0d09047ebc75.JPG/r0_0_1234_1776_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)