List of events
The following lists events that happened during 1908 in New Zealand.
Government
The 16th New Zealand Parliament concluded but the Liberal Party retained in power following the 1908 General Election in November/December
Parliamentary opposition
Main centre leaders
Sport
Boxing
The welterweight division is included in the national championships for the first time.
National amateur champions
- Heavyweight – M. Ryan (Invercargill)
- Middleweight – J. Smith (Auckland)
- Welterweight – R. Mayze (Christchurch)
- Lightweight – T. Metcalfe (Auckland)
- Featherweight – W. Elliott (Timaru)
- Bantamweight – J. Parker (Christchurch)
Billiards
The Auckland Sports Club, the national representative to the British Billiards Association, holds the first national championship.[5]
- National Champion: J. Ryan (Auckland)
Chess
- The 21st National Chess Championship was held in Wellington, and was won by of A.W.O. Davies of Wellington, his second title.[6]
Golf
- The second New Zealand Open championship was held at Balmacewen golf club and was won by 19-year-old professional J.A. Clements[7]
- The 16th National Amateur Championships were held in Otago[8]
- Men: H.C. Smith (Otago)
- Women: Miss ? Christie
Horse racing
Harness racing
Thoroughbred racing
- New Zealanders compete at the Olympic Games for the first time, as part of the Australasian team. Harry Kerr becomes the first New Zealander to win an Olympic medal.
Rugby league
- New Zealand national rugby league team tour of Great Britain:
- lost to Wales, 9–8
- 1st test: lost to Great Britain 8–5 at Cheltenham
- 2nd test: beat Great Britain 18–6 at Chelsea
- 3rd test: beat Great Britain 14–6 at leeds
Rugby union
- Auckland defend the Ranfurly Shield against Marlborough (32–0), Wellington (24–3), Taranaki (9–0) and Otago (11–5)
Soccer
Provincial league champions:[11]
Tennis