On 26 September 1907, Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward announced that the colony of New Zealand had ceased to exist; it had become, instead, a dominion within the British Empire.
To mark the centenary of this occasion, a symposium will be held in the Legislative Council Chamber, Parliament Buildings, accompanied by the publication of a booklet Concepts of Nationhood: Marking 100 Years Since the Proclamation of Dominion Status for New Zealand 1907-2007.
The Auckland University Debating Society is hosting a debate "That on the centenary of New Zealand becoming a dominion, it is time for us to become a republic". Pioneer Women's Hall, corner High Street and Freyburg Place, Wednesday 26 September, doors open at 6pm, free entry, all welcome.
Trivia of the day:
The first issue of The Dominion newspaper was published on Dominion Day 1907.
The front page had, not news reports about the new Dominion, but classified advertising. 'Wanted. Boy or Elderly Man to run messages - Apply Sub-Editor "Dominion," Plimmers' Steps.' The Library's microtexts collection has The Dominion. Students of the History of Adhesives will be pleased to know our microfilm copy faithfully reproduces the sellotape mark on the original paper copy.