1Trading banks around New Zealand are being threatened by strike action. Thousands of bank staff are to meet to discuss their response to a proposed 7.5% pay increase. The majority appear to support strike action, beginning next Monday.

2Angry State unions have reacted angrily to the Government's decision to lay off public servants who are still without jobs six months after the State sector has been revamped.

3Employment consultants predict that many key public servants will leave their jobs for better paid positions in the private sector, because of Government moves to keep wage rises for executives in the public sector at or below 10%.

4The new Coal Corporation structure will be unveiled tomorrow, and many people on the West Coast are fearful for their jobs in the mining industry.

5The United Building Society has bought the MARAC Building Society. MARAC was formerly owned by the New Zealand Insurance (NZI) Corporation.

6Northland police are investigating the deaths of two men, after they were admitted to different hospitals for what were considered routine operations.

7New Zealand may soon tighten up immigration procedures to prevent people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) emigrating to New Zealand.

8A multi-billion market in back bonds has collapsed, leaving the world's largest banks facing huge losses. MIn another blow to the world banking industry, Brazil has made the decision to stop paying interest on its foreign debt.

9United States President Ronald Reagan has blamed his memory for the conflicting evidence he has given on the Iran Arms affair. Meanwhile, American television network ABC says it knows what the Tower Report will say when it is released on Friday.

10Today marks the first anniversary of the People Power revolution in the Philippines which ousted President Ferdinand Marcos and brought current President Corazon Aquino to power. However, while Manila celebrates, other parts of the country have little reason to rejoice.

11Colourful businessman Sir Francis Renouf is retiring as chairman of the Renouf Corporation.