EYEWITNESS NEWS. 29/04/1988

Tom Bradley presents the news. In Brussels, the Prime Minister Mr Lange has met with hard nosed resistance to his attempt to secure New Zealand’s butter export quota to Europe. [Foreign news] Financial and sharemarket news.

Rob Neale presents the issues of the day in depth. In New Caledonia, the Kanak separatist movement FLNKS tonight reiterated its position saying dissolution of the movement will not stop those fighting independence from France. Richard Harman reports from New Caledonia. New Zealand diplomats in Paris are starting to feel some of the heat from the comments of Mr Lange recently, which had been interpreted as critical of Prime Minister Chirac. Although conceding the comments were moderate, the French said they still add up to meddling in their internal affairs. David Lange is interviewed in Brussels. David Lange meets Margaret Thatcher in London. The European Commissioner de Clerq states that he will surprised if there is not a cut to the NZ butter quota. Brian Chamberlin, Federated Farmers President, is interviewed in the studio.

The government is currently drafting legislation to reform New Zealand’s liquor laws. One possible clause in the new bill would allow supermarkets and grocers to sell liquor. It was recommended by the Laking Report on Alcohol but opposed by the Roper report on violence. Justice Minister Geoffrey Palmer says the changes are an attempt to demystify alcohol and make it a part of ordinary life.

[World Watch]

Headlines and weather.