1The Deputy Medical Director of the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society Dr Ian Hassall, has sparked off a fierce debate by saying the cot deaths are directly caused by mothers who do not know how to look after their babies.

2Health Minister Dr Michael Bassett says he will make a decision on whether or not allow heart transplant operations to take place in New Zealand, later this year after he receives a special report on the matter.

3Forty people were evacuated from an industrial area in Penrose late this afternoon, when a fire engulfed a plastics factory. Fire fighters feared the release of deadly cyanide fumes.

4The Government has announced a $30 million scheme to help the tourism and export industries but immediately came under attack by angry farmers, who accuse them of hypocrisy in subsidising those industries but not farming.

5There is confusion over wage round tonight, after more companies have entered into private agreements of more than 6% with their staff. As a result, both unions and employers are claiming to be winning the battle over wage settlements.

6A 33 year old man, wanted in connection with multi-million dollar drugs charges in the United States, has appeared in court in Auckland today on provisional warrants under the Extradition Act.

7Airlines have joined the war against cocaine smuggling into New Zealand and Australia. Customs officials and major airlines are cooperating more, with evidence of a 1.2 kilogram haul being seized earlier this week from off an Aerolíneas Argentinas flight.

8Seven people, including four New Zealanders, have been charged with breaking French narcotic laws, on Reunion Island. They were crew members of the trawler Southern Raider, sunk by the French Navy two weeks ago.

9The death of Mozambique President Samora Machel in a plane crash has forced Botswana's President Quett Masire to cut his New Zealand visit short in order to attend the funeral. The South African Government has denied allegations that it was behind the plane crash that killed Machel, and has invited international experts to examine the wreckage. In Zimbabwe, 1000 young Blacks attacked South African officers today, in protest at Machel's death.

10Following yesterday's announcement that General Motors (GM) is pulling out of South Africa, today computer giant IBM has announced it is also leaving.

11The Dutch Reformed Church, favoured by most White South Africans, has opened up its doors to people of all races. However it is not believed that it will attract many Black or Coloured South Africans.

12Following the expulsion of five American diplomats from Moscow, the American State Department has ordered another 55 Soviet officials out of the United States.

13Three Canadian warships have berthed in Wellington, an indication that Canada is seeking to renew traditional ties of friendship with New Zealand.

14A two and a half year old Sydney girl has become the world's youngest violin player.