Today in History

1839 - Honey bees are brought to New Zealand by Mary Bumby, the sister of a Methodist missionary. She brought two hives ashore at Hokianga.

1920 - The US Senate rejects for the second time the United States’ involvement in the League of Nations, by a vote of 49-35.

1931 - Nevada legalises gambling, paving the way for casinos in the state, most notably in Las Vegas.

1932 - The Sydney Harbour Bridge officially opens.

1946 - The main body of Jayforce lands in Japan, to participate in the US-led occupation as part of a Commonwealth contingent.

1970 - Heads of government of West and East Germany, Willy Brandt and Willi Stoph, meet for the first time, in East Germany.

2003 - US forces launch an attack against Iraq after a deadline for Iraqi President

Saddam Hussein to go into exile expires.

2014 - Russian forces take military installations in Crimea after Russian President Vladimir Putin seized it.

2019 - Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, the last Soviet-era head of state, announces his resignation after nearly 30 years. 2021 - Four men described as leaders of the far-right Proud Boys are indicted on charges stemming from the January 6 riot at the Capitol. The four remain in jail, awaiting trial.

Birthdays

David Livingstone, UK missionary (1813-73); Wyatt Earp, US gambler/ marshal (1848-1929); Adolf Eichmann, Nazi fugitive (1906-62); Hugh Watt, NZ politician (1912-80); Tommy Cooper, UK magician (1921-84); Ursula Andress, Swiss actor (1936-); Glenn Close, US actor (1947-); Warren Lees, NZ cricketer (1952); Bruce Willis, US actor (1955-).