ON THIS DAY

1783:

First successful 25-minute flight in a hot-air balloon takes place above Paris.

Thomas Edison announces the invention of the phonograph.

The Irish Republican Army shoots dead 14 British agents in what becomes known as the country’s first Bloody Sunday.

Opening of Hume Reservoir on Australia’s Murray River.

UN General Assembly censures Soviet Union for invading Hungary.

UN Security Council chooses Boutros Boutros-Ghali as new Secretary-General.

First group of asylum seekers, including children, are transferred from Australia to Papua New Guinea’s remote Manus Island.

French philosopher Voltaire (16941778); Australian heart surgeon Victor Chang (1936-1991); Icelandic singer Bjork (1965-).

1877: 1920: 1936: 1956: 1991: 2012: Birthdays: