Today in History

1877 – Chief Justice Sir James Prendergast declares the Treaty of Waitangi ‘‘worthless’’ and a ‘‘simple nullity’’. He ruled that the courts lacked the ability to consider claims based on aboriginal or native title.

1931 – Gangster Al Capone, right, is jailed for 11 years for tax evasion, and fined $80,000.

1933 – Albert Einstein arrives in the United States as a refugee from Nazi Germany. 1961 – Paris police massacre more than 200 Algerians marching in the city in support of peace talks to end their country’s war of independence against France.

1968 – Mexico City Olympic gold medallist Tommie Smith and bronze winner John Carlos are forced to return their medals after giving a Black Power salute during the playing of The Star-Bangled Banner.

1973 – The Arab-dominated Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) announces a decision to cut oil exports to the US and other nations that provided military aid to Israel.

1974 – US President Gerald Ford explains to Congress why he chose to pardon his predecessor, Richard Nixon. He claimed a long trial would only have further polarised the public.

1989 – A quake rocks San Francisco, killing more than 60 people, and causing about US$5 billion in damage.

2017 – Syrian Democratic Forces claim to have Islamic State headquarters at Raqqa under full control, after four months of fighting.

Birthdays

Pope John Paul I (1912-78); Arthur Miller, US playwright (1915-2005); Rita Hayworth, US actress (1918-87); CK Stead, NZ writer (1932-); Evel Knievel, US stunt performer (1938-2007); Cameron Mackintosh, UK theatre producer (1946-); Anil Kumble, Indian cricketer (1970-); Eminem, US rapper (1972-); Shane Cameron, NZ boxer (1977-).