The following lists events that happened during 1876 in New Zealand. Incumbents Regal and viceregal Head of State – Queen Victoria Governor – The Marquess of Normanby Government and law The 1875 general election, which started on 29 December, concludes on 4 January. The 6th New Zealand Parliament commences. Premier Atkinson abolishes the New Zealand provincial system on 1 November. Speaker of the House – Sir William Fitzherbet replaces Sir Francis Dillon Bell who did not stand for election at the end of 1875 Premier – Daniel Pollen resigns on 15 February. Julius Vogel takes over until retiring on 1 September and is in turn replaced by Harry Atkinson. Minister of Finance – Julius Vogel takes over as Treasurer (Minister of Finance) from Harry Atkinson when he becomes Premier on 15 February. When Vogel retires on 1 September Atkinson resumes the position. Chief Justice – Hon Sir James Prendergast Main centre leaders Mayor of Auckland City – Benjamin Tonks followed by William Hurst Mayor of Christchurch – Fred Hobbs Mayor of Dunedin – Keith Ramsay followed by Henry John Walter Mayor of Wellington – William Hutchison Events 18 February: The first trans-Tasman submarine communications cable is completed, allowing telegraph communications with the rest of the world. 4 April: Speight's is first brewed in Dunedin. 30 December: The Daily Southern Cross publishes its last issue, and merges with The New Zealand Herald. The Auckland-based newspaper began publishing as The Southern Cross in 1843. Sport Cricket The Otago Cricket Association is formed. Horse racing Major race winners New Zealand Cup – Guy Fawkes New Zealand Derby – Songster Auckland Cup – Ariel Wellington Cup – Korari Lawn bowls The first interclub competition in the country is held between the Dunedin and Fernhill clubs. Rugby union Rugby clubs were founded in Marton, Bulls, and Sanson, Oamaru, Hawera, Patea, Invercargill, Otautau, Riverton, Greytown, Masterton, Rangiora, Waimate, Kaiapoi and Te Awamutu. A combined side from Canterbury toured Nelson, Wellington (at Lower Hutt), and Auckland (at Ellerslie) Shooting Ballinger Belt – Private J. Willocks (Clutha) Births 21 January: Tom Cross, rugby union and rugby league player. 24 February: Ernie Booth, rugby union player. 23 March: Sally Low, social reformer and peace campaigner. 6 April: Harold Williams, linguist. 11 April Michael Reardon, political activist 7 June: Albert Samuel, politician Deaths 26 August: Henry Balneavis, soldier 22 November: Charles Flinders Hursthouse, author and settler. See also List of