The following lists events that happened during 1878 in New Zealand. Incumbents Regal and viceregal Head of State – Queen Victoria Governor – The Marquess of Normanby Government and law The 6th New Zealand Parliament continues. Speaker of the House – Sir William Fitzherbet Premier – Sir George Grey Minister of Finance – William Larnach resigns on 5 March. He is succeeded by John Ballance on 12 July. Chief Justice – Hon Sir James Prendergast Main centre leaders Mayor of Auckland – Henry Brett followed by Thomas Peacock Mayor of Christchurch – James Gapes followed by Henry Thomson Mayor of Dunedin – Richard Henry Leary followed by Henry John Walter Mayor of Wellington – Joseph Dransfield Events 2 February: Alois Lubecki makes the first telephone call in the country, between Dunedin and Milton. Later in the year the first public demonstration of the telephone is made with a call between Blenheim and Nelson. 30 September: Great Flood of 1878 that killed at least three people and several bridges destroyed in Clutha and Southland by torrents caused by the rapid melting of heavy winter snows in Central Otago in Winter. Undated Ashburton is made a borough. Sport Cricket An Australian team tours New Zealand in January and February, playing seven provincial teams. None of the matches have first-class status as the home sides fielded between 15 and 22 players. A win by the Canterbury XV is the first ever win by a New Zealand side over an international touring team. See Australian cricket team in New Zealand in 1877–78 Horse racing New Zealand Cup winner: Maritana New Zealand Derby winner: Natator Auckland Cup winner: Ariel Wellington Cup winner: Lara Rugby union New clubs were formed in Featherston and Carterton, both in the south Wairarapa. Existing football clubs in Gisborne, Palmerston North and Feilding adopted rugby rules. Shooting Ballinger Belt: No competition Births 10 September: Fanny Irvine-Smith, teacher and writer 9 May: Jessie Buckland, photographer Deaths 9 February: William Williams, first Bishop of Waiapu. 11 February: William Barnard Rhodes, businessman and politician. 6 December: Sir John Richardson, politician. 25 December Thomas Bartley, politician. See also List of years in New Zealand Timeline of New Zealand history History of New Zealand Military history of New Zealand Timeline of the New Zealand environment References General Romanos, J. (2001) New Zealand Sporting Records and Lists. Auckland: Hodder Moa Beckett. Specific External links