The following lists events that happened during 1902 in New Zealand. Incumbents Regal and viceregal Head of State – Edward VII Governor – The Earl of Ranfurly GCMG Government The Liberal Party was re-elected and formed the 15th New Zealand Parliament. Speaker of the House – Maurice O'Rorke Prime Minister – Richard Seddon Minister of Finance – Richard Seddon Chief Justice – Sir Robert Stout The number of members of the House of Representatives is increased from 74 to 80. Parliamentary opposition Leader of the Opposition – no recognised leader in 1902. Main centre leaders Mayor of Auckland – Alfred Kidd Mayor of Wellington – John Aitken Mayor of Christchurch – Arthur Rhodes then Henry Wigram Mayor of Dunedin – George Denniston then James Park Events 28 October – The SS Ventnor sinks off the coast of Hokianga with the loss of 13 lives. The ship was carrying the remains of 499 Chinese men, most of whom had been involved in the Otago Gold Rush, back to China. Arts and literature See 1902 in art, 1902 in literature, :Category:1902 books Music See: 1902 in music Sport Boxing The New Zealand Boxing Association is formed to control and promote amateur boxing. The first national championships are held, in four weight divisions, in Christchurch. National amateur champions Heavyweight – J. Fitzsimmons (Timaru) Middleweight – F. Nash (Christchurch) Lightweight – P. Oliver (Christchurch) Featherweight – A. Jones (Christchurch) Chess National Champion: R.J. Barnes of Wellington. Golf The 10th National Amateur Championships were held in Christchurch Men: S.H. Gollan (Napier) Women: Mrs ? Bidwell Horse racing Harness racing Auckland Trotting Cup: Van Dieman Rugby The NZRFU decides upon a challenge format for the Ranfurly Cup competition. When the trophy arrives from Britain it turns out to in fact be a shield. 13 September – The Ranfurly Shield is first awarded to Auckland in recognition of their unbeaten record for the season. Soccer Provincial league champions: Auckland: North Shore Otago: Roslyn Dunedin Wellington: Wellington St. John's Births 1 May: Geoffrey Michael William Hodgkins, naturalist. 8 May: Curly Page, cricketer. 13 June: Gordon Minhinnick, cartoonist. 16 June: Clarence Beeby, educationalist. 3 July: Jack Newman, cricketer. 23 July: Arthur Lindo Patterson, physicist. 8 September: Bryan Todd, businessman. Fred Hackett, politician. (in Paris): Louise Henderson, painter. Trevor Henry, supreme court judge. :Category:1902 births Deaths 30 January: Alfred Renall, politician and mayor. 27 February: James Gordon Stuart Grant, a