ON THIS DAY

Death of Charles Wesley, founder of Methodism with his brother John.

British Parliament passes the North America Act to create the Dominion of Canada. Tasmania, NSW, Victoria and Western Australia vote for members of the first Australian parliament.

English Antarctic explorer Robert Falcon Scott dies as his expedition attempts to return after reaching the South Pole.

France launches its first nuclear submarine. Prime Minister Bob Hawke claims victory in Australia’s federal election, becoming the first Labor leader to win four consecutive terms. Leaders of Crimea’s minority gather to condemn Russia’s annexation of the peninsula Eric Idle, British comedian and songwriter (1943-); Brendan Gleeson, Irish actor (1955-); Elle Macpherson, Australian model (1963-).