The following lists events that happened during 1917 in New Zealand. Incumbents Regal and viceregal Head of State – George V Governor – Arthur Foljambe, 2nd Earl of Liverpool, until 28 June Governor-General – Arthur Foljambe, 2nd Earl of Liverpool, from 28 June Government The 19th New Zealand Parliament continues as a grand coalition led by the Reform Party. The general election due this year is deferred because of World War I. Speaker of the House – Frederic Lang (Reform Party) Prime Minister – William Massey (Reform Party) Minister of Finance – Joseph Ward Parliamentary opposition Leader of the Opposition – Joseph Ward (Liberal Party). Ward retains the title even though he is part of the coalition government. Judiciary Chief Justice – Sir Robert Stout Main centre leaders Mayor of Auckland – James Gunson Mayor of Wellington – John Luke Mayor of Christchurch – Henry Holland Mayor of Dunedin – James Clark Events April – The first Caudron biplane purchased by Henry Wigram for the Canterbury Aviation Company arrives. 1 May – The New Zealand Rifle Brigade (Earl of Liverpool's Own) is formed as the 3rd Brigade of the New Zealand Division, part of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. 7 May – Cecil McKenzie Hill makes the first flight for the Canterbury Aviation Company. June – Pilot training by the Canterbury Aviation Company commences at Sockburn. 24 September – Ten New Zealand are soldiers killed in England in the Bere Ferrers rail accident. 20 October – 850 New Zealand are soldiers killed in the Second Battle of Passchendaele, the greatest loss of life in a single day in the military history of New Zealand. 1 December – Six o’clock closing of hotel bars is introduced as a wartime measure. Undated "Extraordinary and continuous rainfall" throughout the year causes "enormous damage to roads and bridges", and "the country became waterlogged", according to the Public Works Statement. The West Coast Times, established in 1865, is merged into the Hokitika Guardian and Star. Arts and literature See 1917 in art, 1917 in literature, :Category:1917 books Music See: 1917 in music Film See: :Category:1917 film awards, 1917 in film, List of New Zealand feature films, Cinema of New Zealand, :Category:1917 films Sport Golf The New Zealand Open championship and National Amateur Championships are not held due to the war. Horse racing Harness racing New Zealand Trotting Cup – Adelaide Direct Auckland Trotting Cup –