News and Current Affairs.
Main Stories:
Quarterly inflation (CPI) figures were released today. A 1.6% increase was below most forecasts. Speakers: Peter O’Neill (M.D. Leadenhall Investments), Craig Stobo (Economist DFC), Paul Bevin (Economist FAS Co. Sharebrokers).
The deregulation of the economy has led to an increase in demand for foreign exchange dealers. A Citibank classroom for exchange dealers is visited. Speakers: Ted Lord (Citibank), Pat Jackson (Citibank), Lucky Abeynaike (Asst Treasurer NZFP).
The pressures facing Telecom are examined including a drop in morale, staff leaving and increased business demand for phone lines. Speakers: Mary Morrison (Consumers Institute), Gordon McPherson (Telecom), Ron Burgess (Post Office Union), “Susan” (Anonymous North Shore Telecom User).
Other Stories:
South Pacific leaders have finished their special meeting in Vancouver, without a public resolution about Fiji, but observers are predicting Fiji will be excluded from the Commonwealth. Speakers: Paias Wingti (Papua New Guinea Prime Minister).
A team of Auckland detectives are investigating an arson attack on the property of National MP Ross Meurant.
Snow fell over Canterbury today threatening serious sock losses.
Two people were taken to hospital in Wellington after an ammonia leak at the Lion Brewery near Parliament.
Heavy fighting between Indian Army and Navy forces and Tamil Tigers continues in north Sri Lanka.
In Hampshire, England, workmen have uncovered a long forgotten dump of World War One mustard gas bombs.
George Bush has officially announced his Presidential candidacy.
The Government is planning to let Harbour Boards around the country sell off ports.
New Zealand lost in the women's world squash championships tonight.
Prices are stabilising on the share market following the CPI announcement.
Worldwatch:
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) gets underway in Vancouver with Britain’s commercial ties to South Africa causing tensions. Speakers: Brian Mulroney (Canadian Prime Minister), Kenneth Kaunda (President of Zambia)
United States warships are engaged in escorting ships in the Persian Gulf at the same time as American anti-aircraft stinger missiles have fallen into Iran’s hands. The missiles are backgrounded.
Reaction to Britain’s decision to freeze funding for the European Space Agency is gauged. The Russian space program is also examined. Speakers: Admiral Sir Raymond Lygo (Chief Executive, British Aerospace), Roy Gibson (Former Director, British National Space Centre), Professor Viktor Legostayev (Deputy Director, Soviet Space Agency), Professor James Fletcher (Director General, NASA), Geoffrey Pardoe (Managing Director, General Technology Systems).