National Radio – Midday Bulletin

REFERENDA: Voters will face two referenda as well as the general election later this year as a result of a successful public petition calling for reform of the justice system. The referenda will ask questions about the needs of victims of crime.

COMPENSATION: The government is ruling out compensation for families who’s babies died or were brain damaged as a result of chest tapping physiotherapy at National Women’s Hospital.

ALLIANCE MP ON CHEST TAPPING: Phillida Bunkle said informed consent was not given by families of the babies for chest tapping to proceed. Guarantee

DOLLAR DROPS: The NZ dollar has dropped by .75 per cent since yesterday as a result of falling gold prices.

ASSAULT CONVICTION: A judge sighted loss of mana for the decision to give a Maori man name supression and failure to convict on a charge of domestic violence.

MURDER: The jury has visited the home where the Crown alleges Angelina Edwards was murdered and beaten over a period of months. Five people have been charged with the murder.

EXPULSION: Details are still unclear over Iraq expelling a New Zealander mine clearer employed by the UN following allegations of crop sabotage.

ISRAEL: The Israeli Parliament has quickly endorsed the new Prime Minister Barak who has called for regional peace. Yassar Arafat has responded, saying he will work with him. A face to face meeting is on the cards, as is one with US President Clinton.

PETER ELLIS: The Court of Appeal has been told a juror was heard saying she thought Ellis was guilty before the trial was finished. The defence say this amounts to bias.

WATSON TRIAL: The jury is hearing evidence of people who saw Ben and Olivia at theFurneaux Lodge new year party. All said the couple were happy but not drunk. One said Olivia was very sober.

YOUTH COURT: The Chief Youth Court judge has said youth suspensions – 12,000 in 1998 – was a national disgrace with strong links to youth crime.

WEATHER DAMAGE: Claims for nearly $1 million have been filed for in Otago and Southland following wind and snow damage last week.

YUGOSLAVIA: An increasing number of Yugoslavians are taking to the streets calling for President Milosevic to step down.

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