1The financial scandal surrounding Fletcher Challenge subsidiary Broadbank is widening. Police began an unprecedented investigation into foreign exchange dealings in Wellington today.

2The Labour Party conference begins in Christchurch tomorrow, with David Lange's Government likely to face a serious challenge from the party's union and left-wing elements over both the economy and the Government's foreign policy.

3France has received a formal protest from Switzerland over the use of Swiss passports by the two French spies arrested in Auckland in relation to the Rainbow Warrior bombing. It has been revealed that a French submarine left New Caledonia at the same time the yacht Ouvea disappeared, leading to speculation that the submarine met the Ouvea and picked up the three crewmen, who were next sighted in Paris.

4At least nine Black South Africans have died in the latest clashes with security forces as they tried to march on Pollsmoor Prison, where Nelson mandela is being held. More than sixty thousand gold and coal miners are preparing to strike from this weekend over a long-running pay claim. South Africa's currency, the Rand has crashed to a new low, as the country's financial crisis deepens.

5Wind erosion is threatening the future of farming in Hakataramea Valley in North Otago.

6State radio and television journalists will resume industrial action tomorrow.

7The New Zealand Feature Film 'Came a Hot Friday' is estimated to have grossed more than $250,000 in its first week.

8Reports from Beijing say that 400 people are dead or missing after some of the worst flooding in years in China's Liaoning Province.

9Many British air travellers were faced with delays today as urgent checks were performed on all Boeing 737s powered by engines similar to that involved in last week's crash at Manchester Airport.

10Earnings from the export of cut flowers have risen by 62% in the last year. However, not all flower growers have made their fortunes in the industry.

11Correction Former National Party leader Sir Robert Muldoon HAS been attending a three-day national caucus meeting in Christchurch.

12Kawakawa, made famous by the railway line that runs through its main street, may lose their claim to fame next year, as the Railways Corporation is considering closing the line down.

13Australian wildlife officers in a remote corner of Queensland are relocating 100 freshwater crocodiles to new homes, because of a drought which is drying up their traditional water supply.+

14A 94-year old British pensioner has found out, the hard way, how not to defrost a fridge.