News, sport and weather.
Main stories:
The centre of Auckland city was shrouded in smoke today by one of the biggest fires ever seen in the downtown area. Three people had to be rescued from the blazing building. Several youths are being interviewed by police, who suspect arson. Speaker: Raymond Peterson.
Winston Peters, the Opposition MP who broke the Maori Affairs loan scandal, arrived home from Hawaii today claiming that he’s got strong evidence which will implicate Cabinet ministers. However, the Government is standing by its decision not to launch a public inquiry. Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer has dismissed Peters’ claims. Speakers: Geoffrey Palmer (Acting Prime Minister), Winston Peters MP (National, Tauranga).
Other stories:
West German election results and hostages in Lebanon.
Shooting of four girls in Sydney.
The Government believes the United States is leaning towards not recognising the protocols to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Treaty. Geoffrey Palmer says news report the USA won’t sign are fairly accurate.
A man is dead and eight others have been arrested by Palmerston North Police following a burglary at a city chemist shop.
Invercargill MP Norman Jones left Dunedin Hospital today after two months treatment for an inoperable brain tumour. Speaker: Norman Jones MP (National, Invercargill).
Inflation has caught up with New Zealand’s longest running lottery. From next week Golden Kiwi tickets will cost $3 and the prizes will be bigger. Lottery organisers say the present top prize of $100,000 is no longer rich enough for gamblers.
Sport:
Australia won the Oceania soccer qualifying tournament today, and now goes on to the World Youth Championship. They beat New Zealand today 3-0.
Auckland women’s tennis tournament results.
Australia vs West Indies one day cricket highlights.
Shell Trophy cricket results.
Superbowl highlights.
Dennis Conner has unveiled a new spinnaker in the lead-up to the America’s Cup final series.
There was a record turnout of yachts for the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta. Speaker: Percy Cross (Regatta Committee Chairman).
Seven New Zealand opera singers gathered from all over the world last night for a special concert at New Zealand House in London, fundraising for Auckland’s Aotea Centre. Speakers: Rodney Macann, Anne Young, Barry Mora, Rosemary Barnes (Concert Organiser).
Weather.