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World Events

Posted in 1931

  • Empire State, New YorkThe great economic depression is at its worst.
  • Collapse of the German banking system: 3,000 banks close.
  • Unemployment in Germany reaches 5.66m.
  • The passing of the Statute of Westminster in the British Parliament recognises the independence of the Dominions.
  • Japan invades Manchuria.
  • The Empire State Building in New York is completed.
  • First experimental air mail from Europe to Australia arrives in Darwin on 25 April, delivered by Australian aviator Charles Kingsford Smith in his Southern Cross aeroplane.

Charles Kingsford Smith (left, holding mailbag) with the first mail by air from Europe to Australia