National Radio Midday Bulletin

WATSON: Evidence is now focussing on Watson’s boat Blade. A detective described the examination of the boat to the jury.

UNEMPLOYMENT: Unemployment has fallen to seven percent of the workforce – the lowest since 1997. This is not because of more jobs but because more people are no longer looking for it and lots are leaving the country.

NUCLEAR: A leading nuclear scientist says irradiated food is safe and New Zealand should adopt it if it is to remain competitive in world markets. Friends of the Earth disagree and say it compromises our nuclear free reputation.

CANCER: Cancer experts say an increase in New Zealanders will develop and die from it.

MAORI: North Island Maori are launching legal action against the decision of the government to lift a moratorium on new marine farms in the Marlborough Sounds.

ENGLISH: Bill English is trying to rekindle tax as an election issue, saying Labour cannot afford what it promises. The National Party are launhing a poster and sticker campaign on Labour and increased taxes.

PRISON OFFICERS: Thirty prisoners are being flown on a chartered flight to Christchurch and prison officers are concerned. Corrections are today hearing their concerns.

CAMBRIDGE: A fatal car crash near Cambridge on State Highway 1 has been cleared up and traffic is moving following a car and truck crash. The truck was carrying acid but none was lost.

FOXTON: A five car crash has killed one person and injured five near Foxton.

ASIAN FLOODING: Two million people are homeless after flooding forced them out of houses in Chinese provinces. Hundreds are dead and many missing.

GOLD SEIZURE: Police have seized two tonnes of stolen gold from a private smelter.

AUCKLAND: Construction of an underground train tunnel has begun today.

ARMOURGUARD: A 32 year old man has been charged with agravated robbery and stealing a car following an Armourguard robbery in Massey yesterday. It is the fifth in four weeks.

BUSINESS: A survey of small Auckland businesses said nine out of ten are Y2K compliant, contradicting information by the Y2K Readiness Commission.

© Scoop Media