Celebrating 100 Years of New Zealand Independence

King Edward VII by Royal Proclamation: "EDWARD R.& I. Whereas We have on the Petition of the Members of the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of Our Colony of New Zealand determined that the title of Dominion of New Zealand shall be substituted for that of the Colony of New Zealand as the designation of the said Colony, We have therefore by and with the advice of Our Privy Council thought fit to issue this Our Royal Proclamation and We do ordain, declare and command that on and after the twenty-sixth day of September, one thousand nine hundred and seven, the said Colony of New Zealand and the territory belonging thereto shall be called and known by the title of the Dominion of New Zealand. And We hereby give Our Commands to all Public Departments accordingly. Given at Our Court at Buckingham Place, this ninth day of September, in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seven, and in the seventh year of Our Reign. GOD save the KING."

Photo: Lord Plunket declaring New Zealand a Dominion, September 26, 1907.

Update: As it happens, the King-Emperor similarly declared Newfoundland a dominion on the very same day. As I was remiss to mention this, I happily link to Andrew Cusack's Ode to Newfoundland and Labrador.