1The Tongan, Samoan and Fijian Governments are asking for an explanation from the New Zealand Government about last week's abrupt end to the visa-free scheme, and the lack of consultation they were given. It is believed that many of the Pacific Islanders who came to New Zealand during the visa-free period, are seeking employment, in breach of their travel conditions, and are offering to undercut regular wages in order to get jobs. Employers are reminded that they must check that work permits are held before employing new staff.

2New Zealand's annual meat sale to Iran is about to be signed for this year. Less meat will be exported, but the price will remain firm.

3Public servants, affected by the State Service restructuring, have today been given seven months to find jobs in the new State Corporations, or face compulsory redundancy.

4Prime Minister David Lange has confirmed that the Higher Salaries Commission (HSC) will be stopped from increasing salaries by more than 10% by legislation introduced to Parliament this afternoon.

5Opposition leader Jim Bolger has pledged to come to grips with the latest "crime epidemic".

6Three thousand pupils at seven Auckland schools may be sent home due to an industrial dispute that is preventing their toilets from being cleaned.

7A series of explosions were heard across Muslim West Beirut, despite the presence of thousands of Syrian soldiers. However, by and large, the Syrians appear to have stemmed last week's fierce street fighting.

8Heavy security surrounded the trial of Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, the leader of the Lebanese terrorist group responsible for at least two murders in France.

9A survivor of a World War Two Nazi extermination camp identified alleged war criminal John Demjanjuk as Ivan the Terrible, a sadistic Nazi camp guard.

10Jewish dissident Iosif Begun (Josef Begun) has received a hero's welcome from fellow Jews after being released from prison after three years..

11The arrival of the Antarctic supply ship Green Wave in Lyttelton this afternoon marked the end of an era. Fourteen huskies were on board, the last to leave Scott Base.

12Film producer Don Reynolds has lashed out at whingers in the film industry, who complain about Government tax changes for stifling the New Zealand film industry.