National Radio Midday News Bulletin

US Elections – Trade Deficit – APEC and Trade – Fisher And Paykel – Fiji – West Auckland Reopened – Tramper’s Body Recovered – Israel – SA Dog Bites – TVNZ Earnings – Remote Control Road Safety

US ELECTIONS: Both Democrat Al Gore and Republican George W. Bush are claiming victory as the recount of the Florida vote continues. The Vice President is hinting that even if he loses the recount in Florida he may launch a legal challenge. Bush’s brother Jeb, who serves as Governor of Florida, is removing himself from the process to avoid accusations of conflict of interest. Incumbent President Bill Clinton congratulated both candidates on a “vigorous, hard fought and truly remarkable campaign.’ He also said the closeness of the election has brought into focus that every American’s vote counts.

TRADE DEFICIT: New Zealand bought more than half a billion dollars more goods that it sold in September despite a record export figure. Statistics NZ figures show a merchandise trade deficit of $590m for the month.

APEC AND TRADE: Prime Minister Helen Clark says APEC has run out of steam and there is frustration that it is not making enough progress on liberalising trade. She says that has caused other countries to show interest in signing the free trade deal with Singapore she is signing for New Zealand next Tuesday.

FISHER AND PAYKEL: Fisher and Paykel is repeating its claim that Korean whiteware is being dumped in New Zealand and says similar complaints are being raised in other countries. It wants the Government to investigate the dumping. Chief Executive Gary Paykel says Samsung fridges and washing machines are being sold here for less than they cost to produce in Korea, to squeeze out local industries.

FIJI: A report from a reliable military source in Fiji says the rebel soldiers assault at Queen Elisabeth Barracks last week was intended to blow up one of the armories.

WEST AUCKLAND REOPENED: Roads have reopened in West Auckland following the emergency callout this morning. The incident began around 6am when police located a man they say they have been looking for and who they consider dangerous. Police say they are still speaking to the man at the centre of the incident. Pupils from local schools were prevented from getting to classes because of the potential danger of the situation.

TRAMPER’S BODY RECOVERED: Search and rescue teams have recovered the body of a 71 year old English man whose been missing on Mt Taranaki since Tuesday. The man appears to have died from exposure.

ISRAEL: An upsurge in violence in West bank and Gaza fighting has cost another six lives, coming on the eve of crucial peace talks in Washington.

SA DOG BITES: South African community and church leaders say they are appalled at the behaviour of white police who set dogs on three illegal immigrant black men as a training exercise. The officers being charged with attempted murder.

TVNZ EARNINGS: TVNZ say it is looking at moving into international consultancy work to offset the revenue implications of the new Broadcasting Charter.

REMOTE CONTROL SAFETY: Police have taken delivery of six remote control cars, too small to carry people, for use in road safety training for children.

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