National Radio Midday Bulletin

Sri Lanka Violence - Rail Safety Inquiry - Health Apology - Bulk Funding - Tarlton Treasure - Bus Death - Cervical Inquiry - Varroa Mite - Tamil Rebels - Energy Standards - Gas Leak

SRI LANKA VIOLENCE: The United Nations says its getting ready for pitched battles in Freetown after increasing fighting with rebels. Commonwealth Secretary General Don McKinnon says the United Nations lack the firepower to effectively defend the capital.

RAIL SAFETY INQUIRY: Union organizations are calling for an inquiry into the rail safety at Transrail after five people died in rail accidents this year. Union organizers say Transrail’s contract means employees are being treated less safely than in comparable industries.

HEALTH APOLOGY: The mother of a man who was found dead along with his mentally ill flatmate says privacy laws should change. Waitemata Health did not tell the man his flatmate was an at risk mental patient.

BULK FUNDING: Concerns about bulk funding of schools appeared at a parliamentary select committee this morning. Education Minister Trevor Mallard says no jobs will be lost in the changes.

TARLTON TREASURE: Northland police have arrested in a man in connection with the theft of treasure owned by the late Kelly Tarlton.

BUS DEATH: Three investigations are under way into the incident where a young school boy was killed after being fatally dragged under a bus.

CERVICAL INQUIRY: The Cervical Cancer Screening inquiry has its final hearing today before going on a short break. The inquiry is already late.

VARROA MITE: The Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton says he has a sinking feeling about the possibility of controlling the Varroa mite.

TAMIL REBELS: Tamil tigers in Sri lanka today say they fought their way a few kilometres from the town Jaffna after heavy fighting.

ENERGY STANDARDS: A bill for tougher energy standards of homes and appliances is being introduced into Parliament today by the Greens.

GAS LEAK: Wellington City Centre is cleaning up after five city blocks were cleared after a major gas leak. The area still smells of gas.

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