1Decriminalization of Marijuana Demands for the decriminalisation of marijuana (cannabis) have been made again in New Zealand. Those for and against the issue remain implacably opposed to each other. Those who favour decriminalisation say it costs hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to police marijuana, that it is relatively harmless and non-addictive, and that it is no longer associated with anti-social behaviour or criminal behaviour. They argue it is a victimless crime, now worse than smoking or drinking alcohol. However, others believe there are no conclusive long-term studies of the possible harmful effects, that laws should not be abandoned simply because people are choosing to break them, and that the use of other hard drugs increases with the increase in marijuana use. Discussion and viewer feedback with lawyer Peter Williams, who favours decriminalisation.

2Egypt and Israel have held their first summit meeting in five years and appear to have made some progress.

3British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has been the target of rioting demonstrators in Norway, where she is on an official visit. She has announced that $1.8 billion will be spent on a scheme to clean-up emissions from Britain's coal-fired power stations, which is causing acid rain to fall on Scandinavia's forests.

4A brief listing of the New Zealand news headlines.

5The Dow Jones Index of leading shares plummeted nearly 87 points today, in the biggest one-day drop in Wall Street's history.

6Decriminalization of Marijuana Demands for the decriminalisation of marijuana (cannabis) have been made again in New Zealand. Those for and against the issue remain implacably opposed to each other. Those who favour decriminalisation say it costs hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to police marijuana, that it is relatively harmless and non-addictive, and that it is no longer associated with anti-social behaviour or criminal behaviour. They argue it is a victimless crime, now worse than smoking or drinking alcohol. However, others believe there are no conclusive long-term studies of the possible harmful effects, that laws should not be abandoned simply because people are choosing to break them, and that the use of other hard drugs increases with the increase in marijuana use. Discussion and viewer feedback with lawyer Peter Williams, who favours decriminalisation.

7A brief listing of the national and international news headlines.

8Decriminalization of Marijuana Demands for the decriminalisation of marijuana (cannabis) have been made again in New Zealand. Those for and against the issue remain implacably opposed to each other. Those who favour decriminalisation say it costs hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to police marijuana, that it is relatively harmless and non-addictive, and that it is no longer associated with anti-social behaviour or criminal behaviour. They argue it is a victimless crime, now worse than smoking or drinking alcohol. However, others believe there are no conclusive long-term studies of the possible harmful effects, that laws should not be abandoned simply because people are choosing to break them, and that the use of other hard drugs increases with the increase in marijuana use. Discussion and viewer feedback with lawyer Peter Williams, who favours decriminalisation.

9A brief listing of the New Zealand news headlines.

10The so-called War Against Drugs in the United States is fast becoming one of the hottest political issues in America. With Congressional and Presidential elections coming up, politicians are battling to outdo each other with their anti-drug policies.

11American scientists have announced a discovery which could lead to a promising new treatment for cancer. They hope they have found another way that the body itself can fight the disease.

12Actress Pat Phoenix, who is being treated for lung cancer in Manchester, has married actor Tony Booth in a bedside ceremony. Phoenix is known to millions of viewers as Coronation Street's Elsie Tanner. Tanner was also given the last rites as part of the ceremony.

13Controversy has erupted over a Marvel comic strip which focuses on the Vietnam War called The Nam. Is it too soon to make light of such a bitter, divisive and horrific war?