In brief

Press, 5 April 1989, Page 8

In brief

Bookshop floats off The world’s largest floating bookshop left Lyttelton yesterday after entertaining almost 50,000 Canterbury people and tourists. Since it arrived three weeks ago the M.y. Doulos had been doing a roaring trade, its public relations crew member, Ann Fraser, said. She estimated it had had 2000 to 3000 visitors a day. The 75-year-old ship will to to Dunedin before sailing for Australia at the end of April. Kiwi chick hatched Auckland Zoo has hatched its first Kiwi chick of the year. A zoo spokesman, Mr Mick Sibley, said the kiwi breeding programme had pleasing results this season, with a total of six chicks hatched.—PA. Self-defence call A South Auckland teacher wants self-defence to be included in the school curriculum. Mr Andy Murray, a senior teacher at Otara School, has taught a group of Standard 4 to Form 2 pupils self-defence and danger awareness, and wants the subject covered in all schools. Part of the school curriculum is “keeping ourselves safe” and Mr Murray believes that a basic martial arts course would help, considering today’s crime rate.—PA. Shoes on other feet A decision by Australia to abolish tariff quotas on New Zealand footwear will mean New Zealand manufacturers will be able to send shoes across the Tasman without restrictions. Both countries had earlier agreed that restrictions would be lifted from March 1, 1990. The decision to bring forward the date has been welcomed by the Government as a chance for New Zealand shoe manufacturers to expand. Demand in Australia is swinging back to leather footwear, which is the particular strength of New Zealand manufacturers.—PA. Tools stolen Tools valued at $5OOO were stolen from a garage in Birdwood Avenue, Beckenham, last week-end. The itenfs included a welding plant and large portable saw which was bolted to a bench.