News and Current Affairs.
Main Stories:
States of emergency have been declared in parts of the North Island because of Cyclone Bola. It has been a day of flooding, damage and devastation, especially around Gisborne and the East Coast, and the cyclone has claimed up to four lives. Multiple reports on the situation in Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki and Northland. Speakers: Ian Treleaven (Starlight Express), Doug Bent (Civil Defence Spokesman).
Rugby union’s amateur status has been challenged again on the eve of an important NZRFU council meeting. It is the first meeting since four former All Blacks were suspended for breaching regulations concerning amateurism and brings the issue back into the spotlight. Speakers: Grahame Thorne (TVNZ Commentator), Bob Howitt (Editor, “Rugby News”), Andy Haden (Former All Black), Russ Thomas (Chairman NZRFU).
Other Stories:
Government action may be required to restore confidence in the share market according to David Lange. He says New Zealanders must be able to trust the market and its listed companies. Speaker: David Lange (Prime Minister).
On the share market the strong rises of the past week slowed, closing 4 points up.
Ruth Richardson says the Government has created a fatal imbalance between public and private activity in the economy.
Cyclone Bola has brought different problems to the South Island. High winds have caused a raging bush fire in the Marlborough Sounds.
Airports around the country are expected to close for six hours on Thursday as crash rescue staff and air traffic controllers go on strike. It is the first in a series of PSA led strikes seeking better compensation for workers losing their jobs through restructuring.
Gibraltar police are tonight searching for a bomb left by the three IRA members shot dead yesterday.
In Israel hijackers who took a bus were shot dead by commandos.
Presidential campaigning is in full swing in the United States on the eve of “Super Tuesday”.
Worldwatch:
An IRA operation has gone wrong in Gibraltar. The British Government has admitted there was no bomb and the killed IRA members were not armed. Speakers: Sir Geoffrey Howe MP (Foreign Secretary), David McKittrick (IRA Expert).
A new book sexologists is causing fresh panic over AIDS. It claims the virus can be passed on by kissing or sitting on toilet seats. Speakers: Dr Robert Kolodny (Co-author), Dr Peter Fischinger (Public Health Service).
As peace talks continue Afghanistan’s relationship with Pakistan is examined. Speakers: Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan Opposition), Zain Noorani (Pakistan Foreign Affairs Minister).
Relics from Tutankhamun’s tomb have been discovered in an English castle. Speakers: Lord Carnarvon, Robert Taylor (Former Butler).