1898 in New Zealand
The following lists events that happened during 1898 in New Zealand.
Incumbents
Regal and viceregal
Government and law
The 13th New Zealand Parliament continues with the Liberal Party in power.- Speaker of the House – Sir Maurice O'Rorke
- Prime Minister – Richard Seddon
- Minister of Finance – Richard Seddon
- Chief Justice – Hon Sir '''James Prendergast'''
Parliamentary opposition
Leader of the Opposition – William Russell.Main centre leaders
- Mayor of Auckland – Peter Dignan followed by David Goldie
- Mayor of Christchurch – Walter Cooper followed by Charles Louisson
- Mayor of Dunedin – Edward Bowes Cargill followed by William Swan
- Mayor of Wellington – John Rutherfurd Blair
Events
- 1 December: W H Bartlett films the opening of the Auckland Industrial and Mining Exhibition. The film is screened on Christmas Eve at Bartlett's studio – the first public screening of a New Zealand film.
- Bell Tea is founded.
Sport
Athletics
National Champions, Men:- 100 yards – George Smith
- 250 yards – Alfred J. Patrick
- 440 yards – R. Oliphant
- 880 yards – H. C. Garsia
- 1 mile – S. Pentecost
- 3 miles – S. Pentecost
- 120 yards hurdles – Arthur H. Holder
- 440 yards hurdles – George Smith
- Long jump – Alan Good
- High jump – Hugh Good
- Pole vault – Hori Eruera
- Shot put – Hugh Good
- Hammer throw – J. Skinner
Chess
National Champion:- R.J. Barnes of Wellington.
- R.A. Cleland of Dunedin
Golf
The National Amateur Championships were held in Christchurch- Men – W. Pryde
- Women – K. Rattray
Horse racing
Harness racing
- Auckland Trotting Cup is won by Duke C.
Thoroughbred racing
- New Zealand Cup – Tirant D’eau
- New Zealand Derby – Altair
- Auckland Cup – Uhlan - the first horse-race to be filmed in New Zealand
- Wellington Cup – Uniform
Season leaders (1897/98)
- Top New Zealand stakes earner – Multiform
- Leading flat jockey – W. Brown
Lawn Bowls
National Champions- Singles – W. McIlwrick
- Pairs – C. Nicholson and W. McLaren
- Fours – W. Cowie, C. Fynmore, M. Sinclair and A. Gillies
Polo
- Savile Cup winners – Oroua
Rowing
National Champions- Single sculls – J. McGrath
- Double sculls – Otago
- Coxless pairs – Wellington
- Coxed fours – Picton
Rugby union
Provincial club rugby champions include:Shooting
Ballinger Belt – Private J. McGregorSoccer
Provincial league champions:- Auckland: Auckland United
- Otago: Wakari Dunedin
- Wellington: Wellington Rovers
Swimming
National champions- 100 yards freestyle – A. Truscott
- 440 yards freestyle – C. Rich
Tennis
National champions- Men's singles – J. Hooper
- Women's singles – Kathleen Nunneley
- Men's doubles – H. Parker and C. Gore
- Women's doubles – Kathleen Nunneley and E. Kennedy
Births
- 8 October: George Davidson, Olympic sprinter.
Deaths
- 2 January: John Cargill, politician.
- 3 May: John Kerr, politician.
- 29 June: Charles Parker, politician.
- 15 July: Francis Dillon Bell, politician.
- 31 October: William Gilbert Rees, explorer and settler.
- 25 November: William Downie Stewart, politician.
- 29 November: Thomas Forsaith, politician.