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TODAY IN HISTORY
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1773, New Zealand's first sheep released
May
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8 February
8 February
1915
Turkish ambush kills New Zealand seaman
Able Seaman William Edward Knowles became one of the first New Zealanders to die in the First World War as a result of enemy action.
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1931
First fatal accident on a scheduled air service in New Zealand
All three people on board a Dominion Airlines Desoutter died when it crashed near Wairoa in northern Hawke’s Bay.
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1972
Women cricketers triumph
New Zealand’s women cricketers achieved their first test victory at the 17th attempt. They had lost seven and drawn nine of their previous tests, all against either England or Australia.
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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