1A freight train has derailed on the main trunk line in the central North Island, leaving hundreds of metres of wreckage strewn all over the tracks. No one was injured in the incident.

2West Coast residents appear to have won an important round in their battle to save the hospitals in Hokitika and Reefton. Minister of Health David Cargill says he is not satisfied with the West Coast Health Board's decision.

3Chilean soldiers have again opened fire with buckshot on crowds celebrating the referendum defeat of General Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet is determined to remain in power until 1990, but his opponents want him to leave now.

4British doctors have found a blood test to check unborn babies for Downs Syndrome, which they believe is safer than the present Amniocentesis procedure.

5The Sydney mansion opened by New Zealand millionaire John Spencer was passed in at auction today, after the bidding stalled at $15 million, $1 million shy of the reserve..

6Actress Robin Gibbons has ended her brief but stormy marriage to world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson.

7A stolen car crashed into the scenic duck pond at the Wellington Botanical Gardens overnight.