In brief

Press, 23 September 1988, Page 7

In brief

‘Censor should resign’ The member of Parliament for Coromandel, Mr Graeme Lee, has called for the resignation of the Chief Film Censor, Mr Arthur Everard, over passing the controversial film, “The Last Temptation of Christ,” for public screening. The film has been given an RPI3 certificate, which means it can be shown to those aged 13 and over, and younger children if accompanied by a parent or guardian. “This simply means that any child, however young, could see the film if that child was accompanied by a parent or guardian. That is ridiculous,” Mr Lee said. "The film is clearly and utterly blasphemous and should have been rated accordingly.”—PA. Fewer drownings Sea drownings have halved in the first eight months of this year compared with 1987, according to figures from the Water Safety Council. Six people drowned in sea or beach accidents from January to August compared with the 13 who died in the corresponding period last year. The figures show drownings from January to August were 89. Last year there were 93. Eight people aged between 21 and 30 drowned in boating accidents this year. Eight others aged between 16 and 20 drowned in rivers or streams.—PA. Italian president coming The first visit to New Zealand by an Italian President will be made by President Francesco Cossiga in October. The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, said President Cossiga would visit Wellington for two days from October 17. He will be accompanied by the Italian Foreign Minister and long-serving Prime Minister, Mr Giulio Andreotti. Mr Lange said Italy was the world s seventh industrial power and an important member oi the European Community. New Zealand was seeking increased political links with Italy, he said. More work days lost There were 49 work stoppages in the four months to April this year compared with 67 for the corresponding period last year, according to Statistics Department figures. However, the number of work days lost in that time this year was 115,511, up from 75,182 in 1““7. More employees were involved in stoppages during the four-month period this year as well — 43,088 compared with 22,388 last year. The stoppages meant an estimated loss in wages and salary of $9,383,000 this year and $5,354,000 last year. From January this year, the department has extended coverage of stoppages to include the public sector and State-owned enterprises. ~ PA. Walkway closed The Barnett Park walkway in Redcliffs will be closed today and Monday. Contractors will be blasting along a fenceline above the park.