Today's Headlines
Tuesday 14th May 1996
International:
The power of modern communication technology was brought home over the weekend. The New Zealand explorer, Robert Hall,
phoned his wife in New Zealand by radio-phone from the upper slopes of Mt Everest while dying from exposure, lack of oxygen and frost bite. The
party who accompanied Hall, an experienced climber who had been up Everest 5 times, also died in a sudden blizzard which blew
up soon after they started their descent from the top of Everest.
Hall and his party died during the weekend of 10th May 1996.
Political:
The gun lobby in Australia have started attempts to undermine the policy decisions of the Federal and State governments made
last week. In the meantime a poll has shown that Prime Minister John Howard is onto a winner and his approval rating has risen to 60%.
Speaking on radio yesterday Howard said: "I have never encountered in my time in politics an event which has so touched the soul of
the country as this."
In an ominous development gun dealers in Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia said that sales of ammunition and firearms
had doubled since the decision to ban automatic and semi-automatic rifles. These guys should be closed down immediately -
selling ammunition for guns which are about to be outlawed defeats the whole purpose of the public outcry and the agreement in
principle of the various State and Federal governments.
Business:
United States oil giant Mobil Corp is poised to take over Ampolex Limited in Australia after yesterday increasing the value of its bid
for the petroleum oil explorer from Au$1.6 to Au$1.78 billion.
Ampolex directors yesterday recommended that shareholders accept Mobil's bid at Au$4.64 per ordinary share.
Sport:
In an interesting development in Australian Rugby League the six Super League aligned players in the New South Wales squad
refused to commit themselves to play for the Australian team being lined up to play a New Zealand side. The two matches have raised
the ire of Super League aligned officials in New Zealand.
Another day visiting the big smoke today. It is a beautiful day outside.
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