1918 in New Zealand

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The following lists events that happened during 1918 in New Zealand.

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The jubilation over the end of World War I was overshadowed by the Spanish flu pandemic reaching New Zealand. In four months, it is estimated that over 8600 New Zealanders died of the disease and between one third and one half of the population were infected. The death rate for Māori was estimated at 42 per thousand (approx 2,160 deaths) compared to 5.6 per 1000 (6,400 deaths) for European New Zealanders.[1][2][3]

Incumbents

Regal and viceregal

Government

The 19th New Zealand Parliament continues for a fourth year as a grand coalition led by the Reform Party.

Parliamentary opposition

Judiciary

Main centre leaders

Events

  • 19–20 March: Raetihi forest fire kills 3 and destroys over 150 homes.[6]
  • Early October: The first cases of Spanish flu are recorded in Auckland.[7]
  • 12 October: Troop ship RMS Niagara returns, carrying a number of people ill with influenza. It is not quarantined. William Massey and Joseph Ward are aboard. Although later cited as the cause of the Spanish flu epidemic, 6 persons had already died in the 3 days preceding its arrival.[8]
  • 18 November: Influenza is "hastily" gazetted as a notifiable disease.[9]
  • December: The flu epidemic eases. Over 8600 have died including at least 1260 Māori.[7]
  • 2 December: Aviation Act 1918, to control aviation in New Zealand, is passed by Parliament.[10][11]

Undated

  • Parliament moves into Parliament House although it is not yet completed.[12]

Arts and literature

Sport

Golf

Horse racing

Harness racing

Thoroughbred racing

Lawn bowls

The national outdoor lawn bowls championships are held in Dunedin.[17]

  • Men's singles champion – W. Foster (Caledonian Bowling Club)
  • Men's pair champions – W.M. Hogg, E. Harraway (skip) (Dunedin Bowling Club)
  • Men's fours champions – W. Robson, J. Spinks, E. Falconer, C.R. Smith (skip) (Otago Bowling Club)

Rugby union

  • The Ranfurly Shield (held by Wellington) is not contested as interprovincial matches are cancelled due to the war.

Soccer

Provincial league champions:[18]

  • Auckland: North Shore
  • Canterbury: Excelsior
  • Hawke's Bay: Waipukurau
  • Otago: Southern Dunedin
  • Southland: No competition
  • Wanganui: No competition
  • Wellington: Porirua

Births

January–March

April–June

July–September

October–December

Exact date unknown

Deaths

January–March

April–June

July–September

October–December

See also

References

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