1New moves to assist with the farming crisis are being planned by major lenders to the rural sector in an effort to help viable farmers weather the storm in the rural economy.

2Interest rates are continuing to trend downwards, signalling that relief for mortgage holders may be imminent. The Government owned Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) today cut its base lending rate by 1%, a decision it hopes will strengthen the downward trends and hopefully flow over to mortgage interest rates.

3The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRFU) elected six newcomers to its ruling council in Wellington today, heralding a change in mood. The Council will elect a successor to retiring Chairman Ces Blazey tomorrow morning.

4Security forces in South Africa have shot dead at least two Blacks in the tribal homeland of Kwandebele.

5Soviet leader MIkhail Gorbachev has appeared on State television to tell the Soviet people and the world the latest about the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and that Moscow is extending its nuclear test freeze until August 8. He also renewed a call to American President Ronald Reagan for an immediate meeting to discuss a test ban. A media briefing was held in Wellington this afternoon, to ensure the New Zealand media accurately conveyed Mikhail Gorbachev's message.

6Transport Minister Richard Prebble today promised to take to Cabinet any reasonable proposal to preserve the Rainbow Warrior on land.

7Television Violence (Part Three of Three) There is a growing conviction that there is a direct link between violence on television and growing violence in society. Interview with two academics - one who believes strongly in a link between television violence and violence in society, and the other who remains unconvinced any such link exists.