The question of how many Islanders were '' blackbirded '' is unknown and remains controversial .
The question of how many islanders were '' ashes '' is unknown and remains controversial .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
no

In 1914 , the Oceanic Hotel closed and the Sunset Hotel was purchased by John Barber .
The Sunset Hotel was closed in 1914 and the Oceanic Hotel was purchased by John Barber .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
no

The Puerto Inca Province is the largest of eleven provinces of the Huanuco Region in Peru .
The Puerto Inca province is the largest of the eleven provinces of Huanuco region in Peru .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
yes

In 2015 , the Middleton branch of Quality Save was closed , and a superstore was launched in the former Tesco unit next door .
In 2015 , the Middleton branch of Quality Save was closed , and a superstore was launched in the ex Tesco unit next door .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
yes