Today in history

Today is Saturday, August 4, the 216th day of 2018. There are 149 days left in the year. Highlights in history on this date:

1265 — In the Second Barons’ War in England, the Royalists under Prince Edward defeat the Barons under Simon de Montfort at the Battle of Evesham.

1704 — During the War of the Spanish Succession, a joint AngloDutch force captures the Spanish city of Gibraltar.

1789 — The French feudal system is abolished.

1842 — Wellington becomes a municipality.

1888 — The South Island West Coast town of

Reefton becomes the first place in New Zealand to supply electricity to the public.

1892 — Andrew and Abby Borden are axed to death in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts; Lizzie, Andrew’s daughter from a previous marriage, was tried for but acquitted of the killings.

1908 — The Crimes Act passes into New Zealand law. Among crimes and punishments listed are male homosexual practice offenders being liable to imprisonment with hard labour for life, with an option of flogging; the Federation of Miners is formed in Greymouth, representing 2300 miners, and within 12 months becomes the first ‘‘Red’’ Federation of Labour.

1914 — King George V declares that Great Britain and the British Empire are at war with Germany, Austria, Hungary and Italy following the invasion of Belgium.

1916 — Denmark sells the Danish Virgin Islands to

the United States for $US25 million.