TV3 6pm News (First Segment)

Microsoft Guilty - Lisa Blakie - Queenstown Hero Funeral - Fishing Boat Fire - Search Called Off - Pigs Have Rights - Dick Hubbard

MICROSOFT GUILTY - US Judge Penfield Jackson today found Microsoft guilty of illegally using their monopoly through its software programme, Windows, to keep other competitors out of the market. The share price of Microsoft fell by US$160 billion and Bill Gates lost US$9 billion. A Justice Department spokeperson said it was a landmark decision, it was a very strong ruling and that the judge will take a strong line on the penalty which is yet to be announced. Microsoft looks likely to appeal.

LISA BLAKIE - Police today used electronic equipment to search a house in Darfield. Some material has been removed but police are not commenting.

QUEENSTOWN HERO FUNERAL - The funeral of helicopter pilot, Janie Blair, was held in Queenstown today. She was killed along with four tourists last week after the helicopter she was pilotting hit power lines in Fiordland. Mourners said Janie was a champion skier who was put out with a knee injury and was later found to have thyroid cancer which she defeated. She was know for her positive attitude with the sky not the limit it was just the beginning she often said.

FISHING BOAT FIRE - The crew of a Korean fishing boat, Ocean Maru 38, are struggling to extinguish a fire in the engine room of their vessel. A mayday call has been sent out.

SEARCH CALLED OFF - The coastguard has called off a search for three people missing off the Bay of Plenty coast. A fruitess search of beaches has given no sign of the boat, any debris or the three missing people. Kirsty Robinson, the only survivor is in a comfortable condition in hospital. The local fire brigade has sent out an appeal to assist the Robinson Family. The phone number for donations is (07) 533-3533.

PIGS HAVE RIGHTS - A 75,000 signature petition was presented to Parliament today by Green MP, Sue Kedgely. The SPCA have joined with animal rights campaigners to try and prevent pigs being kept in small cages in which the are unable to turn-around or walk. Pork farmers should identify whether their pork is free range as they do for eggs, campaigners say.

DICK HUBBARD - The management of Dick Hubbard's company have reached a settlement with the union over a wage and conditions dispute. The settlement includes a pay increase and meal allowances.

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