Lamb Tariffs - The official announcement from the WhiteHouse is what every New Zealand and Australian sheep farmer has
been dreading. US President has imposed hefty tariffs on our lamb exports to the US. Clinton announced today that
imports of lamb meat will face higher duties for three years, as of July 22nd. Imports up to a quota level set at 1998
import levels will be subject to duties 9 percent in the first year and declining thereafter, while imports above the
quota will face sharply higher tariffs starting at 40 percent in the first year and declining thereafter.
Child Commissioner Disgusted - Allegations that a foreign student was held captive for over one year and subjected to
constant sexual abuse by a Christchurch restaurant owner has disgusted the Commissioner for Children. Police say they
found the 14 year old girl sleeping in the restaurant’s storeroom while investigating a Christchurch restaurant owner
for allegations for sexual abuse on a seven year old. Children’s Commissioner Roger McClay says he was upset to hear
about this type of abuse going on in this country.
Govt. Called to Improve Healthcare - The Coalition of Public Health has called for the Government to do its job properly
in reducing the number of people on waiting lists for surgery in public hospitals. The call comes after a HFA report
shows 9000 people were removed from waiting lists in the first three months of this year. A Coalition spokesperson says
the Government needs to stop fudging its figures. The Coalition believes there has been a drop in numbers because people
have been referred back to their doctors other than being given the option of surgery.