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TODAY IN HISTORY
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1840, Hobson proclaims British sovereignty over New Zealand
May
21
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30 September
30 September
1878
Great Flood hits South Island
The ‘Great Flood’ of 1878 killed at least three people and thousands of animals as it swept across the southern South Island
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1972
New Christchurch Town Hall opens
Designed by prominent Christchurch architects Warren and Mahoney, the Brutalist (blocky, using lots of concrete) structure was officially opened by Governor-General Sir Denis Blundell.
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This Week in History
20 May
1773
New Zealand's first sheep released
21 May
1840
Hobson proclaims British sovereignty over New Zealand
22 May
1884
First New Zealand rugby team in action
23 May
1861
First major gold rush in Otago
24 May
1854
Parliament's first sitting in Auckland
25 May
1861
The
Press
goes to press
26 May
1879
Parihaka ploughing campaign begins