9.20 NEWS. 26/07/1987

News summary.

The United States is reported to be sending more warships to the Persian Gulf, including a minesweeper.

Switzerland is bracing itself for possible retaliation after seizing a hijacker of a Congolese airliner in Geneva.

A new political crisis is developing in Fiji as the compromise peace plan prepared by the Great Council of Chiefs meets opposition from both ethnic Fijians and Indians.

The New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners in Fiji have been accused by the country’s former Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara of giving their Governments wrong information about his role in the military coup.

The National Party has launched its television election campaign with a leaders rally in the Christchurch town hall. It closely resembled the party’s campaign opening last week, with Jim Bolger accusing the Government of breaking promises and making a few pledges of his own. Speaker: Jim Bolger (National Party Leader).

Leaders of the Salvation Army in New Zealand have come out strongly against what they say is the failure of successive Governments to provide for the care of the elderly. Speakers: Commr. Wesley Harris (Salvation Army), Lt. Col. Melvin Taylor (Social Services).

The triumphant All Blacks arrived back in the country today, bringing home the Bledisloe Cup. Speaker: Brian Lochore (All Blacks Coach).

Weather.