1970

Sir Robert Menzies

Posted in 1970

  • res-1970ACompletes the final revision of his second book of memoirs The Measure of the Years. The book is launched by Sir Paul Hasluck in October 1970.
    Chapters include:
    • A Retrospective Survey of the Science and Art of Politics
    • Developments in Education
    • Canberra - the Making of a City
    • The Petrov Spy Case
    • Sir Owen Dixon
    • Some Legal Memoirs, Mostly Light-hearted
    • Apartheid and Sport
    • Cricket and cricketers.

Australian Events

Posted in 1970

  • May 8th: Vietnam Moratorium Day: over 200 000 people across Australia march in the streets on 8 and 9 May. For many people the issue divides family and friends with some using disguises to avoid being recognised.
  • "Up to 1970, British migrants still constituted almost half of the total arrivals, but the aim of an annual population increase of 1% (never fully achieved) encouraged migrants from a wider selection of countries."
    The Macquarie Book of Events, 1983 p 71
  • Pope Paul VI, the first Pope to visit Australia, arrives in Sydney on November 30.
  • A concrete span collapses during construction of the West Gate Bridge across the Yarra River in Melbourne; 35 workmen are killed.
  • Inaugural journey of the Indian Pacific train from Sydney to Perth.
  • Margaret Court wins Wimbledon and completes the tennis grand slam, becoming only the second woman to do so.

World Events

Posted in 1970

  • The moonAt Kent State University, USA, the Ohio National Guard fires upon students demonstrating against the Vietnam War, killing 4 and wounding 9 others.
  • Luna 17 lands an 8-wheeled vehicle on the moon to explore its surface.
  • Divorce is permitted in Italy.
  • Boeing 747 airliner (the Jumbo Jet) goes into service.


Jumbo Jet