1Opposition Agriculture spokesman John Falloon has claimed that Finance Minister Roger Douglas is practising "economic Stalinism". Latest Rural Bank figures show that 4,200 farmers are now behind in their payments. There has been more reaction today to the Government's planned overhaul of the public service, announced yesterday by Finance Minister Roger Douglas. The Public Service Association (PSA) is openly hostile towards the plan. A clearer picture is emerging of how the shake-up will affect New Zealanders.

2The Australian Government has been accused of behind-the-scenes maneuvering to set up separate defence treaties with the United States and New Zealand to replace the Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty (ANZUS).

3The New Zealand Government has joined in a chorus of international condemnation of military raids by South Africa on Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, which South Africa says were aimed at bases of the African National Congress (ANC).

4New Zealand has been asked to help the people of the Solomon Islands in the wake of Cyclone Namu.

5The Western Samoan Rugby Union has abandoned plans to send a team to South Africa.

6Employment Minister Kerry Burke says that the sharp rise in unemployment reflects a tightening economy, and he has warned that the situation will worsen.

7English cricketer Ian Botham has lost his place in the English cricket team after confessing that he has been a regular user of cannabis.

8Political analysts are speculating tonight about what effect the South African raids on Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe may have on attempts at reconciliation within South Africa itself.