Quiz #38: The great NZ history quiz
This week's quiz is entirely about New Zealand history. All the questions and answers for today's quiz were sourced from nzhistory.net.nz. You are encouraged and supplicated to visit today and expand you knowledge.
Q 1 What was the number of the battalion designated the Māori Battalion?
Around 16,000 Māori registered for service in World War II, with around 20 percent of those serving in the 28th (Māori) Battalion. These men established a formidable reputation as one of New Zealand's finest fighting forces.
Source: nzhistory.net.nz
Q 2 What year did Norman Kirk die?
A 1974
Norman Kirk was Prime Minister of New Zealand from 8 December 1972 unit his death on 31 Aug 1974.
He was well-liked and the group Ebony composed a song in his honour.
Q 3 What year was the Plunket Society formed?
A 1907
Founded in 1907, its original name was the Royal Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children. Its first patron was Victoria, Lady Plunket, wife of governor William Plunket, and for whom the society is now named.
Q 4 When was the national orchestra (NZSO) formed?
A 1946
Known as the National Orchestra, it was constituted in 1946. The conductor was Andersen Tyrer, and violinist Vincent Aspey was orchestra leader. The first concert was on 6 March 1947.
Q 5 What famous landmark was destroyed by the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886?
A The pink and white terraces.
The eruption occurred on this day, 10 June, in 1886. It lasted for six hours and about 120 people lost their lives.
Q 6 Has there ever been national prohibition in New Zealand?
A No.
But there nearly was in 1919, when a referendum was held here. A majority or 13,000 voters wanted prohibition. This was overturned when the votes of 32,000 overseas soldiers were counted.
There already existed a system of "No-License" where electorates could vote on whether to allow open bars. Masterton, for example, was "dry" from 1909 until 1946.
Q 7 Alison Roe is known as a?
A Runner
Alison Roe came to prominence in 1981 when she won the Boston Marathon, the first New Zealand woman to do so. Six months later she won the New York Marathon.
She reflects on the win, in this interview from 2013.
Q 8 New Zealand first public library opened where in 1841?
Frederick Knox was the first librarian at the Port Nicholson Exchange and Public Library. This ran for only one year, having to be closed due to defaulting subscribers and competitors.
in 1992 The Great New Zealand TV Turn-Off was organised to encourage people to turn off their televisions during Library Week (21-27 June). They were encouraged to read and take part in other activities, like LISTEN TO THE RADIO. Very important, that last one.
Q 9 The last scheduled steam-hauled service on New Zealand Railways was in 1971. On what line did it occur?
A Christchurch - Dunedin
The overnight express ran on 25 October 1971, marking the end of steam in New Zealand. It wasn't really the end though. Two locomotives were preserved and used for a tourist-focused venture known as the Kingston Flyer. A number of charitable organisations have been established to restore and maintain steam engines.
These include Mainline Steam, Steam Incorporated, and Silver Stream Railway.
If you know of others email quizmaster@radionz.co.nz and they will be added to this list.
Q 10 How many VCs have been awarded to New Zealanders
A 23
