Pamphlet Row – Train Crash – Indonesian Presidency – East Timor, Atrocities – Housing Policy – Pakistan Coup – Budget Parade

PAMPHLET ROW: The minister of education says that he is concerned that many parents are not receiving sufficient information on new assessment tools because a pamphlet is not being distributed by school principals because it is considered political.

TRAIN CRASH: Two freight trains have collided between Gore and Balclutha. A crane is expected to be necessary to help rescue one of the drivers.

HIJACKER: A hijacker on route to Istanbul has given himself up in Hamburg.

INDONESIAN PRESIDENCY: Megawati Sukarnoputri is widely expected to be elected the first President of Indonesia today.

EAST TIMOR – ATROCITIES: Meanwhile Australian troops have cordoned off the grave of a 20 people suspected killed in Liquicia.

HOUSING POLICY: The Associate Minister of housing Tony Ryall says there have always been problems with housing. Others disagree and say it is the Nats fault.

PAKISTAN COUP: Pakistan says it regrets a “hasty suspension” from the Commonwealth. A spokesman says the favourable public reaction had not been taken into account.

BUDGET PARADE: Auckland City has chosen a budget parade for the All Blacks if they win the World Cup. Councillors disagree on who should pay.

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Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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