ON THIS DAY

1789: Benjamin Franklin writes a letter to a friend in which he says: “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

1923: Australia’s first radio station goes on air: 2SB (Sydney Broadcasters Ltd).

1940: Walt Disney animated movie Fantasia has its world premiere in New York.

1975: World Health Organisation announces that Asia is free of smallpox for first time in history.

2010: Pro-democracy hero Aung San Suu Kyi walks free after more than seven years under house arrest in Myanmar.

2016: The Australian government strikes a “oneoff” deal to resettle Manus and Nauru island asylum seekers in the US.

Birthdays: Don Lane, US-born Australian TV personality (1933-2009); Kamahl, Australian singer (1934-); Samantha Riley, Australian swimmer and Olympic champion (1972-).