1Plastic Money In some stores this Christmas, cash is making a comeback and plastic credits are not especially welcome. This is very bad news for the increasing number of New Zealanders who are living on credit. However, plastic cards remain the safest way for both the customer and retailers to do business. The banks also prefer them to cheques as they are easier to process and less time-consuming. But there are big changes in store for plastic card users. Electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) has already arrived, but is meeting consumer resistance. How good are credit cards, and how do bank cards differ from others such as Diners Club or American Express? Are cash of cheques better? Discussion and viewer talkback with economist Rae Weston.

2The Working Party Report on New Zealand's Liquor Laws has been released and it recommends sweeping changes including Sunday trading, supermarket sales, and lowering the legal drinking age to 18. It also wants the power to issue liquor licenses given to local authorities, who should be given more power to enforce the laws.

3The European Community (EEC) has agreed on a package of measures against Syria for its alleged role in the attempted bombing of an Israeli airliner at Heathrow Airport. The measures include a ban on arms sales, an end to all official visits and a review of the activities of Syrian diplomats.

4Islamic Jihad says it has released two French hostages being held in Lebanon.

5The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived in the Middle East aboard a special jet fitted with its own anti-missile defences. They are to visit Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

6Philippines President Corazon Aquino has arrived in Japan for a four-day visit, despite strong rumours that her opponents in the Philippines may attempt to stage a coup in her absence.

7A handful of prisoners at a top security prison in Scotland have seized one of the warders and are holding him hostage.

8A brief listing of the New Zealand news headlines.

9English jockey Sir Gordon Richards has died aged 82.

10Singer Frank Sinatra is recovering in hospital following an emergency operation to remove an abscess from his large intestine.

11Plastic Money In some stores this Christmas, cash is making a comeback and plastic credits are not especially welcome. This is very bad news for the increasing number of New Zealanders who are living on credit. However, plastic cards remain the safest way for both the customer and retailers to do business. The banks also prefer them to cheques as they are easier to process and less time-consuming. But there are big changes in store for plastic card users. Electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) has already arrived, but is meeting consumer resistance. How good are credit cards, and how do bank cards differ from others such as Diners Club or American Express? Are cash of cheques better? Discussion and viewer talkback with economist Rae Weston.

12A brief listing of the national and international news headlines.

13Plastic Money In some stores this Christmas, cash is making a comeback and plastic credits are not especially welcome. This is very bad news for the increasing number of New Zealanders who are living on credit. However, plastic cards remain the safest way for both the customer and retailers to do business. The banks also prefer them to cheques as they are easier to process and less time-consuming. But there are big changes in store for plastic card users. Electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) has already arrived, but is meeting consumer resistance. How good are credit cards, and how do bank cards differ from others such as Diners Club or American Express? Are cash of cheques better? Discussion and viewer talkback with economist Rae Weston.