ON THIS DAY

30BC: Cleopatra of Egypt commits suicide by letting an asp bite her.

1835: First permanent settlement of Melbourne is founded on the north shore of the Yarra.

1945: Hong Kong is liberated when the British navy sails into Victoria Harbour to accept the Japanese surrender.

1960: East Germany imposes partial blockade of West Berlin.

11999: East Timor votes 99 per cent in favour of being independent after national referendum.

2012: UN nuclear agency says Iran has shut down a probe of a site suspected of being used for work on nuclear weapons development.

2015: Bart Cummings, 87, veteran horse trainer who trained 12 Melbourne Cup winners, dies.

Birthdays: English author Mary Shelley (17971851); US actress Cameron Diaz (1972-); Australian swimmer Leisel Jones (1985-).