Hundreds of North-West farmers are waiting for compensation for damage caused by the Tasmanian gas pipeline's journey across agricultural land. But the clock is ticking for the Rocky Cape resident.

When the 22-year-old borrowed money to venture into his own dairy business he knew he would have to work hard and build a name for himself against established dairy farmers. And he knew that contractors would be laying the pipeline across eight of his paddocks as it made its way to Port Latta.

What he didn't know was that during his first season, soil run-off was going to destroy his water and milk quality and see his milk price drop by 50 p.c. He did not know that two cows he planned to buy from his father would end up dead in a ditch because fencing was gone.

He did not know he would be sourcing debris-filled water as he tended his calves because the dam he was guaranteed would be fixed before calving season began, would still be out of action.

Mr Elphinstone did not expect to have fences buried or to be making countless phone calls to try and get some action seven months after pipe contractors were supposed to be off his land. The pipeline has cost the young dairy farmer about $30,000 in lost income.

``I was guaranteed I would get something in August. They keep promising but you get fobbed off,'' Mr Elphinstone said. ``I am beginning to wonder if I will ever see this money.''

He is now facing a nerve-racking visit to the bank to talk about his financial situation. His father is helping all he can. ``To be honest we can carry Josh a bit but it is all borrowed money,'' Peter Elphinstone said.

When sediment filled his dam from the pipe workings on the hill, Mr Elphinstone bought extra milk filters to keep his product clean. ``But then I got a call from Lactos saying there was sediment in my milk. I am trying to make a good impression. My biggest worry is that my Lactos contract will go foul,'' Mr Elphinstone said.

Yesterday he was waiting for contractors to turn up to his property and supply the dam fittings he is waiting on. They did not arrive. ``It has just gone on too long. They are using stalling tactics as my business slides,'' Mr Elphinstone said.

A Duke Energy spokeswoman said Mr Elphinstone had told the company's land liaison officers he was having some financial problems and had needed to buy extra feed.

``We are waiting for him to supply the invoice and evidence,'' she said. ``It is important for landowners who have been financially impacted to let us know then we can help them with their cash-flow problems.''

THE president of the Burnie branch of the Liberal Party has resigned, claiming it is a result of the controversy surrounding Braddon MHA Brett Whiteley and his distribution of an unauthorised how-to-vote card.

Kim Petersen, whose resignation will take effect on Friday, said she was considering whether to renew her membership. Ms Petersen also claimed the branch's other office-bearers had resigned and would let their party membership expire. But the hierarchy of the Tasmanian division of the Liberal Party yesterday rejected suggestions of internal backlash over the issue.

Mr Whiteley was fined $5000 and must make a public apology after facing the party's State Executive at the weekend over his distribution of a how-to-vote card which used fellow candidates' names without their permission. A push by the Devonport branch and some other members to have Mr Whiteley expelled failed.

In September Mr Whiteley pleaded guilty to breaching the Electoral Act but no conviction was recorded given he be of good behaviour for 12 months. Ms Petersen claimed the fallout from Mr Whiteley's actions had made it difficult to represent the Liberal Party in the community and she believed many members would consider severing their ties with the party.

``A lot of people across the State are very disappointed and angry,'' Ms Petersen said. ``The Brett Whiteley issue is momentous for this party, the ramifications will be felt for many, many years. ``It reflects very clearly the deep despair of people who are not prepared to accept that politics is a dirty game.''

However, State director Peter Skillern said yesterday resignations and new memberships happened all the time and he had not received any calls from members in relation to Mr Whiteley. Mr Skillern denied there had been any resignations related to Mr Whiteley's actions.

``Categorically no there have not been any,'' Mr Skillern said. ``I can honestly say there has not been one call about Brett Whiteley today. ``Usually they (phone calls) are a sign the membership has some spleen to vent. ``Some people may not be happy with the result but no-one has taken it further.''

Failed Braddon Liberal candidate Mike Downie yesterday confirmed he would not take any further action over the matter. Fellow candidates Alan Pattison and Peter Upton had already ruled out taking the matter to the Court of Disputed Returns. Disgruntled candidates have till the end of business today to challenge Mr Whiteley's election through the courts.

NATIONAL and international doctors who are just beginning to recognise new benefits of heart-imaging equipment yesterday learnt techniques the Mersey Community Hospital has used for seven years.

Mersey hospital anaesthesia and intensive care specialist Dr Konstantin Yastrebov said the transoesophageal echocardiography equipment al lowed moving images of the heart to be captured by inserting an ultrasound device down a patient's oesophagus. He said the equipment had major benefits for non-cardiac surgery because heart health was crucial to monitoring the condition of many critically ill patients.

Dr Yastrebov said while the equipment had been used extensively by cardiac surgeons over the last few years he was at the foreground of using it for non-cardiac purposes such as for emergency and anaesthesia procedures.

``We were the only hospital at the time to use it for non-cardiac surgery,'' Dr Yastrebov said.

Co-director of the course, Victorian cardiothoracic anaesthetist specialist Dr Colin Royse, said the imaging equipment allowed specialists to view finely detailed images of the anatomy and work ings of the heart for safer surgery procedures.

``It gives us a lot more information on which to base decisions,'' Dr Royse said.

About 120 national and international delegates attended the transoesophageal echocardiography training course at the Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre which followed a three-day international critical care conference.

UNSETTLED weather did not deter crowds yesterday as the 2002 Tasmanian Craft Fair wound up. Fair director Geoff McLennan said almost 30,000 people converged on the town of Deloraine over the long weekend, making the 22nd annual fair a success.

``We had a good day today . . . . I'd say there was 28,000 for the weekend which is really good,'' he said. ``It was a really good show when you consider the unsettled weather conditions we had . . . . but the days have been kind to us and we had good crowds here, so that is beaut.

``Over the period of the craft fair my estimation is the State would generate about $5m and I base that on distances travelled, accommodation, food, fuel and what they spend around the place,'' Mr McLennan said. ``I gave out 1500 passes just for stall-holders and they alone would have to spend something on a daily basis.''

The town had been alive with the sights and sounds of 220 exhibits scattered across 14 venues, making it Australia's largest working craft fair. The Great Western Tiers provided a fitting backdrop to the theme Mountains - Magic and Mystery, as the event provided an avenue for Tasmanian artists to showcase their work as well as bringing quality local craft to the attention of interstate buyers.

A highlight on Sunday included a performance by one of Australia's premier military bands, the RAAF Central Band. Under the direction of FltLt. Steve Wright, the band played a wide range of musical ensembles from the big band era and popular classics, to the top 40.

Established in 1923 and initially based at Point Cook in Victoria, the band has played at many ceremonies and was the official band for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and toured Vietnam and Malaysia in 1969 in support of Australian troops. It is the only military band in the world to be honoured with the Governor-General's Banner.

Mr McLennan said the next step was to clean up and put his feet up for a couple of days.

NOBODY will be cheering harder for Tasmanian apprentice Craig Newitt in today's $4m Melbourne Cup than the Wells family at Spreyton.

Newitt started his career at the stables of Spreyton trainer Leon Wells, but left mid-year to join the stables of Lee Freedman in Melbourne, initially for only a three-month period.

At the end of the trial period and with some success in Melbourne, Newitt wanted to remain under Freedman and the move paid its richest dividend for Newitt when he secured a ride on Bart Cummings Cup outsider Miss Meliss for today's ``race that stops a nation''.

Wells has had to wear some digs from mainland media for suggesting Newitt should have continued to use Tasmania as his base, but he has maintained a positive relationship with his former apprentice and like the rest of Tasmania will be cheering him on at 3.10 this afternoon.

``There's certainly no hard feelings. ``The whole idea I had was that Craig would stay in Melbourne till the end of October and then we'd see how he went, but he has just gone on enormously,'' Wells said.

``He deserves all the credit because he's just been fantastic. ``He's riding for all of the top trainers and I certainly did not expect him to pick up rides in both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup he's flying. ``We went to the Cox Plate and Craig came and spent a couple of hours with us in between races. ``He and my young bloke (Trent), still remain good mates and speak on the phone nearly every day.''

Wells has no doubt Newitt can go on to be a true champion jockey. ``Ever since he's been with me right through to now, I don't think he's gone a fortnight without a winner and that is incredible,'' Wells said. ``He just lives for racing, loves riding and just needs to continue to keep a good head on his shoulders.''

COASTAL riders put in some great performances to take a number of the titles on offer at the State BMX Championships at Spreyton over the weekend.

With more than 90 riders from throughout the State and two from the mainland competing, there was some fierce competition in all classes which ranged from the six and under sprocket rockets right through to the 40-44 cruiser class.

Riders battled it out in five races on Saturday, followed by a further four races on Sunday with the winner determined from results of the nine races.

Wynyard's Travis Williams added another two titles to his collection after taking out the 25-29 class and the 19 and over cruiser class. Ulverstone's Jarrod Emerton, who rides for the Launceston BMX Club, took out the 14-year-old class and finished second in the 15-16 cruiser class.

Terry Llewelyn, from Devonport, made the most of his home track knowledge to take out the 13-year-old class, Tonn Haydon won the 10-year- old class before stepping up to the 15-16 cruiser class where he finished fourth and Wynyard rider Tylor Dewar took out the 9-year-old class after defeating Joshua Parkinson, from Devonport, in a ride-off for the title.

The Rider of the Event Award went to Scott Dunn, from Launceston, the Encouragement Award went to Hobart's Sam Leewood, the President's Award went to Toni Emmerton, representing the Launceston BMX Club, and Launceston's Adam Dunn took out the Most Consistent Award.

TASMANIAN Tigers coach Brian McFadyen said his side was looking forward to the challenge of taking on a star-studded NSW in the Pura Cup clash at the SCG starting on Friday.

While the Blues line-up boasts the likes of Mark Waugh, Michael Bevan, Simon Katich, Michael Slater, Stuart MacGill and Nathan Bracken, all with international experience, the Tigers will be looking to build on their great performance against Victoria in the ING Cup match on Sunday.

``It will be a good challenge for us. On paper they are a very strong line-up,'' McFadyen said. ``But that's what first class cricket is all about, challenging yourself against the world's best.''

Following defeat at the hands of the Victorians in the Pura Cup match, McFadyen described Tasmania's 74-run win in the ING Cup match as ``a good show of character'' to be able to regroup and record a win.

With the SCG renowned as a spinners' paradise, McFadyen suggested the Tigers would take two spinners into the match after naming an unchanged team from the Pura Cup match against Victoria - the 12th man will be named on Friday morning.

Left arm wrist spinner Shannon Tubb bowled well particularly in the first innings of the Pura Cup match against Victoria and all-rounder Dan Marsh has taken 130 first class wickets with his left arm orthodox spin.

``It's always good to have two different sorts of spinners in the line-up, it's good for balance in our bowling attack,'' McFadyen said.

The Tigers' line-up for the Pura Cup match against NSW starting on Friday: Jamie Cox (acting captain), Sean Clingeleffer, Graeme Cunningham, Gerard Denton, Michael Dighton, Michael Di Venuto, Shane Jurgensen, Daniel Marsh, David Saker, Shannon Tubb, Shane Watson, Damien Wright.

The Tasmanian Second X1 got off to a good start in its ACB Cup match against the ACT at Bellerive yesterday to finish the day at 1-72 after dismissing the ACT for 201.

FOR a horse that likes to lead, Ourboy Al, a five-year-old horse owned and trained by Burnie's Gavin Martin, will have to sprout wings and fly from his bad draw to have any chance at today's Melbourne Cup combined meet at the Devonport Showgrounds.

In what should be a popular afternoon of racing, punters will view the combined meet with three pacing and 10 greyhound races on the program. Four semi-finals of the rich Breeders Classic will be the highlight of the greyhound card while the Harding Hotmix Mobile appears the best of the pacing races.

Drawn on the outside of the second line, Ourboy Al will have to work hard on the tight Devonport track to give Martin and the Devonport Pacing Club's Horse of the Year, his third win from the horse's 46 starts.

``He likes to get out from the start and near the lead but the draw here makes it very difficult to win,'' Martin said. ``He is a horse that gives his best shot and I suppose having Don Peck in the sulky gives him another edge.''

A trainer since 1984, Martin has four in work including Konyak Dollar and two un-named three-year-olds. ``I love this type of work and had always wanted to do it, so a few years back I thought why not and got into it,'' he said.

Martin can expect Little Alice and Tarzan's Lad to provide stiff competition for Ourboy Al but says regardless of the result he will still find positives from the race.

``If your horse puts in and does their best and the driver gives them every chance then you cannot ask for any more.''

Racing starts with the first of the greyhounds at 12.05 p.m. and 1 p.m. for the pacers.

AS THE cloud over his political career lifts, Braddon MHA Brett Whiteley wants to put a rocky start to State politics behind him and get on with the job.

Speaking candidly yesterday, Mr Whiteley said the past four months had been a trying time, fighting both a legal case for breaching the Electoral Act and a battle to remain in his party.

On Saturday a Liberal State Executive meeting saw 25 members vote on whether to expel Mr Whiteley for distributing unauthorised how-to-vote cards in the lead-up to the July State election.

Five members of the executive voted to expel the first-time MP and it is understood several of those were from the Braddon electorate. The punitive measure agreed upon was a $5000 fine to be paid within 12 months and a public apology.

Mr Whiteley said the fine was evidence he had received more than a slap on the wrist.

There is still the slim possibility of a challenge being taken up in the Court of Disputed Returns but the deadline for such challenges expires tomorrow.

Yesterday two unsuccessful Liberal candidates from the election said it was very unlikely further action would be sought.

Alan Pattison said he was satisfied the due processes had been carried out, irrespective of the findings, while Peter Upton congratulated Mr Whiteley and wished him and his family best wishes for the future.

Both said they would not be taking the matter further and Mr Upton said it was unlikely another candidate, Mike Downie, would act. Yesterday a visibly relieved and relaxed Mr Whiteley said he would be working with a renewed sense of confidence.

With the party inquiry resolved, it is understood Mr Whiteley will now receive shadow portfolio responsibilities, with transport and local government two possible areas.

Over the past months he has kept a low profile with no portfolio responsibilities and has limited his debating efforts in Parliament.

"Given the cloud perceived to hang over my head, it certainly wasn't appropriate to be taking on a major role . . . but I'm looking forward, at Mr Hidding's discretion, taking on that which he has for me.

He said he also made a vow not to be spouting off about the how-to-vote card issue till the court and the State Executive had made their rulings to protect himself and his family.

"It's been a very difficult time. My children are 14, 11 and eight and I think over the last few months, between the three daily newspapers, we've had about 17 front pages," he said.

"I certainly don't want to belittle anything that happened. There was a mistake made to which again I say sorry."

Mr Whiteley said he hoped the matter would be laid to rest, but so far his efforts to reconcile with some aggrieved members of the Devonport branch have not been reciprocated.

He also answered critics of his personal and working relationship with fellow Liberal Braddon Member Jeremy Rockliff, speaking highly of the young MP.

FORMER Spreyton apprentice jockey Craig Newitt has never cheered so much about getting a ride on a 60-1 chance.

The 17-year-old, who has shot to national fame since joining the Melbourne stables of Lee Freedman mid-year, will ride Bart Cummingstrained Miss Meliss in tomorrowfs $4m Tooheys Melbourne Cup (3200 m).

eeI have never been so happy to get a ride,ff Newitt said from Melbourne yesterday.

Miss Meliss secured a berth in the Cup after a strong second in the Saab Quality (2500 m) at Flemington on Saturday and Newitt, who was riding Pantani in the same race, could only watch from behind and hope Miss Meliss finished in the top two.

eeIt was absolutely magnificent and it is great not just to get a ride, but to get a ride for the eCups Kingf Bart Cummings makes it even better,ff Newitt said.

eeI rate her (Miss Meliss) as a big chance and I was quite surprised to see her at 60-1.

eeShefs only a Class One horse, but shefs got a big heart - she got back yesterday but hit the line hard - and I reckon shefll be an even better horse next year.ff

Newittfs talents on the Tasmanian scene were always obvious, taking both the junior and senior premiership awards in only his second year of racing and scoring a brilliant win on Darrel eeDocff Baldockfs Chardere in this yearfs Devonport Cup.

His performances on the mainland have been fantastic, although even Newitt is surprised he has scored a ride in Australiafs biggest horse race in his first year in eethe big smokeff.

eeThis will be one of the biggest things Ifll ever do. I never thought it would be this year, I thought it might be next year before I picked up a lightweight ride in the Cup,ff the former apprentice for Leon Wells said.

"I used to sit at home and watch this race, but I reckon I might be a bit more nervous about this one. eeIfve got seven rides for the day though and five before the Cup so I wonft get much time to think about it.ff

Newittfs parents, Guy Newitt and Virginia Wells, both former jockeys, will soon move from their Westbury home to be with Craig in the Cup from Tasmania tomorrow.

eeWe were thinking about going over, but Craig said with all the people and the fact he had seven rides wefd probably see more on the telly,ff Virginia said yesterday.

Virginia said the support for Craig from the Tasmanian public had been overwhelming.

eeHe still often gets calls from all down here and everyone seems to have a dollar on him, just for the sake of having a dollar on him.ff

Newitt had hoped to make a surprise return to Tasmania to ride Chardere in Tasmaniafs richest sprint, the $35,000 Newmarket, in a fortnight but has been invited to ride in Canberra on the same day in a major race.

HAVING REVEALED a conspiracy between West Australian police in a goldswindling crime, former Burnie resident and investigative journalist Avon Lovell is set to have his novels placed on the silver screen.

Opening a can of worms through his real-life thrillers The Mickelberg Stitch and Split Image, Mr Lovell is setting his sights on a Hollywood blockbuster.

His two books tell the story of the Mickelberg brothers, who were charged and sentenced to prison for swindling gold from the Perth mint, through fabricated evidence. Ironically, the two books were banned and landed Mr Lovell in court.

Mr Lovellfs findings were were only backed up after a confession by one of the police officers involved in the evidence cover-up.

It has not been an easy road for the journalist, who discovered bringing officialdom to its knees can be a life-threatening experience. eeWefve had to get out of town . . . Ifve really offended some heavy dudes. eeBut Ifve stuck to my guns as a journalist. Itfs been an amazing adventure,ff he said.

According to Mr Lovell, writer of the movie Three Kings David O. Russell, liked the film idea and passed it on to other Hollywood writers because of his overwhelming project list.

eeI think how many Burnie boys have a film in Hollywood? eeWhen the first cheque is cleared and in the bank Ifll believe it,ff he said.

His research into the two books was driven by his passion for investigation and justice and took Mr Lovell across the globe.

eeIt is an Australian story for Hollywood, a great story of gold, crime, crooked cops and chase scenes for real.ff

Mr Lovell is working on a further two books and is expecting to hit Hollywood in February. Despite his whirlwind career, Mr Lovell found time to head home and visit his family and get advice from his mother, Sybil.

His success in the industry started at The Hobart Mercury, where he felt his journalistic skills were not being exercised to their full potential. Since then he has worked for a number of interstate newspapers, attained a university degree in criminology and politics, and established his own newspaper, Westlore News-Journal.

THE 22nd annual Tasmanian Craft Fair has continued to attract strong crowds with 20,500 people turning out in the first three days.

With a record opening day of 6000 people on Friday, 7500 on Saturday and 7000 yesterday, fair director Geoff McLennan said the Deloraine event was on target for 30,000 people.

The four-day working craft fair, the largest of its kind in Australia, is spread around 14 venues and 220 stalls. The fair continues today from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m.

This yearfs Tasmanian Craft Fair prize recipients were chosen by University of Tasmania professor of art Noel Frankhan, former Devonport mayor Mary Binks and Rural Press southern region general manager Lloyd Whish-Wilson.

The State Government has been called on to provide more financial support to assist with the national and international marketing of the fair.

State Opposition Leader Rene Hidding said the annual Deloraine event attracted craftspeople from around Australia and overseas as well as tourists who visited Tasmania at the beginning of November to attend the fair.

eeThe Tasmanian Craft Fair is rightly recognised as one of the best in Australia, attracting about 30,000 people over four days and deserves more financial support from the State Government than just a $1000 prize,ff Mr Hidding said.

eeThe hard work of the Deloraine Rotary Club in promoting the fair over many years has really put the town on the map.ff

Mr Hidding said events such as the craft fair and Agfest were approaching icon status yet were not afforded the same degree of financial support from the Bacon Government as smaller events.

Winners ? First time exhibitor, Na Na Na Boogle (stall 109); innovative functional design award, Lisa Boyter Artisan Pottery (stall 516); home craft award, Ringrove Collection (stall 762); working exhibit, Michael Amos Upholstery (stall 22); best presented stand, Country Larder (stall 801); Craft Arts International-Tasmania Craft Fair award, Strahan artist Mick Quilliam; Premierfs award for excellence, , McLachlan Studiofs Hugh McLachlan (stall 522).

TASMANIANS had to share the spoils with interstate raiders at the 2002 Tall Timbers Tasmanian Sprint Kart Championships at Smithtonfs Briant Park at the weekend.

A field of more than 170 competitors, including 22 from interstate, took part in the titles with several thousand spectators lining the track over the two days of racing.

Highly touted Victorian junior David Sera, of the Oakleigh Kart Club, was undoubtedly the star of the show, winning the junior national heavy class.

eeHe was the most impressive because not only did he win one class he also raced in another two classes and if it wasnft for two mechanical failures, he would have won those classes as well,ff race announcer Graham Birtwistle said yesterday.

eeOverall there was some fantastic racing and there were very few incidents. The Circular Head Kart Club ran the event like clockwork.ff

The Southern Tasmanian Kart Club also picked up some of the major prizes with Jeffrey Dickson winning the clubman heavy and Chris Schofield taking out the senior national light.

BURNIE sprinters Joel Deegan and Lisa Palmer used all their local knowledge of the West Park track to take out the menfs and womenfs 100-metre gifts at the PCCCT West Park Carnival yesterday.

Thrilled to start their carnivals campaigns with victory, the two runners have now set their sights on the blue riband gift races over Christmas.

In the menfs gift, the long striding Deegan (8.75 metres) got off to a great start and hit the front by the 50-metre mark, where he was able to hold the opposition at bay to win by two metres, from Stewart Whiteroad (7.75 metres) and Torin Philpott (9.5 metres) third.

eeItfs still two months away from the one I want to win,ff Deegan said as he hinted towards some unfinished business in the Burnie Gift.

eeLast year I trained for five weeks and got second at Burnie by an inch after Ifd hurt myself at Latrobe.ff

Feeling fit and confident after a strong build-up on the training track, Deegan said he was hopeful of some good showings in the coming carnivals.

eeMy aim last year was to be competing at 87 kg because Ifd run in years before at 92 kg. Ifm now at 87 kg and Ifll be 82 kg by Christmas.ff

In the womenfs gift, Palmer made it two from two as she defended the title she won at West Park last year.

Running in the green vest, the David Krushka-trained Palmer reeled in front marker Melissa Jackson at the halfway mark and held off a determined Kate Pedley over the last 15 metres to notch up another carnival title.

eeIfve done a really good pre-season and Ifm feeling a lot fitter and definitely a lot stronger than last year,ff she said.

Grant Penny recorded a strong win in the John Maguire 1600 metres handicap, an event sponsored by his coach.

Penny (150 metres) showed he would be one to watch in the middle distance events in the coming months after he defeated Robert Young (100 metres) and front marker Sarah-Jane Atkins (340 metres).

Burnie runner Melissa Jackson (39 metres) took out the womenfs Quick Mix Concrete 400 metres handicap, while the menfs Brian Wells 400 metres handicap went to Ben Hayes (28 metres).

FORMER Ulverstone triathlete Craig Walton has ended the best year of his career by blitzing the field in the 2002 Noosa Triathlon in Queensland yesterday.

Walton has had a host of major wins in the US and two World Cup races this season, and has again forged his reputation as one of the world's best triathletes after a knee injury threatened his career last year.

He will take a break after winning a hot Noosa event in a time of one hour, 46 minutes and 38 seconds.

Walton, who set the Noosa race record of 1:44:13 in 1997, broke the 1.5-kilometre swim record for the nondrafting event in 16:36 and finished ahead of Craig Alexander (1:48:57).

"Without a doubt this has been the best year of my career - this is my sixth win in a row, so it's been unbelievably consistent," Walton said from Queensland yesterday.

"It's been a tough year and I'm going to take three weeks off now and do nothing but surf, play a bit of golf and enjoy a drink.

It had been an eventful lead-up to Noosa for Walton, with Triathlon Australia threatening to revoke his professional license after he criticised the governing body's decision to restrict Australia's team-members for next weekend's world championships in Mexico from competing in Noosa.

Walton's frustration was undoubtedly also borne from the fact his injury last year and TA's selection policy has not allowed him to compete in Mexico.

However, Walton has bigger fish to fry next year and may be on a path to another Olympics.

"I've learned not to put all my focus on that (the Olympics), I',m just going to continue what I am doing now and if it comes, it comes," he said.

Ulverstone's Amelia Cox was haunted by recurring stomach cramps in her debut in the elite women's race at Noosa.

Cox competed strongly in the swim and bike legs, but struggled in the final 10-kilometre run leg with stomach cramps that have surfaced on several occasions and worried Cox and her coach, Craig Redman.

Even so, Cox still recorded an unofficial time of two hours, 17 minutes, while Devonport's Craig Doherty finished strongly in his age group with a time of two hours, 12 minutes

LAUNCESTONfS David Oliver put in a gutsy ride in testing conditions to win the first wheel race of the season, the Burnie Mitsubishi 2000-metre wheel race, at the PCCCT Carnival at West Park yesterday.

Riding off 160 metres, Oliver made his move with a lap and a half to go and managed to maintain the break to take the win from Burniefs Michael Johnson, while Launceston rider Ryan Johnson finished third.

Oliver (20) was among a strong group of front and middle markers when he decided to go for home as the pack tackled the strong westerly wind up the home straight on the penultimate lap.

eeThese are my first outdoor track races this season so Ifm pretty happy with how Ifm going,ff Oliver said.

With many of the big-name backmarkers deciding not to make the trip to Burnie, the strong wind was always going to make it tough for backmarkers Gareth Atkins (10 metres), Daniel Cutting (20 metres), Stephen Pearce (80 metres) and Todd Parnell (90 metres) to make up the ground.

Oliver is gaining a reputation as a bad weather specialist, cycling fans may recall his solo breakaway effort in the Burnie 20 last month. eeI donft mind hard conditions like this, it suits me,ff he said.

Oliver said he would concentrate on building his speed in the lead-up to Christmas. eeIfm hoping to make a few finals in the big wheel races.ff

While scratchman Atkins had no luck in the wheel race, his class came to the fore as he took out both the open elimination and A grade scratch race.

Ryan Johnson won the open 1000-metre lightning handicap off 80 metres, from Michael Johnson (80 metres) and Wes Sulzberger (90 metres) in third place.

AUSTRALIA'S last surviving World War 1 medal recipient, 106-year-old Frank Macdonald, of Ulverstone, has been admitted to the Mersey Community Hospital with pneumonia.

A hospital spokesperson said yesterday Mr Macdonald was admitted on Thursday but was unable to comment on his condition.

Mr Macdonald is one of the last living links with the original Diggers of World War 1.

Mr Macdonald was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in 1917. He served in the 1/40th Battalion, which comprised mainly Tasmanians, and fought on the horrific battlefields of Western Europe.

He was born near Ulverstone in 1896 and returned there to live in 1988, after spending much of his working life interstate.

He now lives at East Ulverstone with his great niece Phyllis Gleeson.

REGIONAL Express Airlines will cut flights to Devonport Airport to one a day, while Burnie Airport will retain three daily services.

Rex chief executive Michael Jones announced the new flight schedule yesterday after a pending cut to Devonportfs services was revealed earlier this week.

The new regional airline has cited a lack of support as the reason for the flight reductions. eeWe have been surprised and perplexed that support for our flights into the region hasnf t been stronger,ff Mr Jones said.

eeWe have given our upgraded schedule and inflight services some time to have impact but there is not sufficient demand from the people of the North-West to maintain services at current levels.ff

The new flight schedule will take effect on November 11 and customers booked on flights departing and arriving in Devonport after this date will be contacted and offered alternative travel options.

Mr Jones said across the airlinefs entire network, which also included New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, there had been a trend of increased ticket sales since the merger of Kendell Airlines and Australiawide Airlines to form Rex on August 1.

But this has not extended to the North West and Rex management has reduced services to maintain viability. Mr Jones said the choice to reduce services to Devonport rather than Burnie was for competitive reasons.

Yesterday a company spokesman would not elaborate on how the decision was reached but said it was not a fait accompli.

Mr Jones also reiterated Rex would continue to support Tasmania. eeIf there is renewed support we will certainly look at again increasing the number of flights to both Burnie and Devonport,ff he said.

eeIn the meantime, Rex will be doing what it can to build the market on hese two routes with a new Tasmanian holiday brochure as well as increased sales and marketing efforts.

eeWe will also be working closely with Cradle Coast Tourism and Tourism Tasmania to promote Northern Tasmania as a holiday destination.ff

THE battle might not be over for Braddon Liberal MHA Brett Whiteley even if he escapes serious punishment at today's hearing before the party's State Executive Committee in Launceston.

Aggrieved candidates still seething over Mr Whiteley's illegal use of their names on a controversial how-to-vote card have till Tuesday to lodge a complaint with the Court of Disputed Returns and challenge the validity of Mr Whiteley's election.

It is understood Liberal Braddon candidate at the last State election, Alan Pattison, is still considering action and it is likely he is awaiting today's outcome before making a final decision.

Under the Electoral Act people have 90 days from the declaration of the polls in which to lodge the matter with the Court of Disputed Returns.

This essentially means the deadline would fall tomorrow but the act allows for it to carry over to the next court working day which will be Monday for the Hobart Supreme Court and Tuesday for Burnie and Launceston courts due to Monday's public holiday.

Mr Whiteley pleaded guilty to breaching the Electoral Act in September after using fellow candidates' names on the how-to-vote card without their permission.

No conviction was recorded provided he be of good behaviour for 12 months. An internal Liberal Party investigation was launched and referred the matter to the party's State executive.

It is believed up to five Tasmanian branches will push for Mr Whiteley's expulsion at today's hearing and although Mr Whiteley is tipped to only receive a public chastising from the party hierarchy, the matter threatens to split the party.

The Devonport branch, which has moved a motion to expel Mr Whiteley, is expected to be represented by lawyers and will argue Mr Whiteley should be disciplined for breaching the Electoral Act.

It is understood Parliamentary Leader Rene Hidding will not take a position on the matter nor participate in any debate, instead opting only to answer questions put to him by the executive.

It is also believed Mr Hidding is unlikely to vote on the matter maintaining it was an issue to be decided outside the Parliamentary Liberal Party. Deputy Leader Will Hodgman, who is also entitled to attend the meeting, will not be present due to a prior engagement.

If the party decides not to expel Mr Whiteley, he must still overcome the threat of court action before assuming a full role within the PLP.

Bass MHA Sue Napier has been holding the fort on two shadow portfolios - infrastructure and local government - which are expected to be taken over by Mr Whiteley if he is able to take his place in the party.

Earlier this week, Mr Whiteley appeared quietly confident of a positive outcome and has maintained he is looking forward to the matter being resolved.

DELORAINE was swamped yesterday as fine weather brought out the crowds for the first day of the Tasmanian Craft Fair.

Fair director Geoff McLennan said more than 6000 people were there to view some of the State's finest arts and crafts throughout 14 venues in Deloraine.

``It's magic,'' Mr McLennan said yesterday. ``There would be something in excess of 6000 people which is probably an increase of about 8-10 p.c. on last year.''

Mr McLennan said school groups performing in the Festival of Magic swelled numbers significantly with school and family members coming to watch the show.

``I am thrilled to bits and if we keep this weather going ...... we will be laughing all the way to the bank. ``I think the sculptures have been a major drawcard for this year. They have certainly captured the attention of a lot of people.''

He said with the high standard and quality of the show combined with good weather, the committee should achieve its goal of an escalating event which is attracting more visitors from the mainland.

He said gate attendants reported a significant amount of visitors from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland who had come to Tasmania via the Spirit of Tasmania specifically for the craft fair.

The fair, with the theme Mountains - Magic and Mystery will continue today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. and on Monday from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. with a free shuttle bus service to all venues.

ONE of the Coast's most promising young cyclists is hoping to stamp his arrival on the track at tomorrow's Professional Cross Country Club of Tasmania West Park Carnival.

David Klyne (17), of Leith, is fresh from a tour of New Zealand with the national junior road cycling team and is preparing to make his first serious assault on the Coastal carnival series.

``I rode in the Christmas carnivals last year and definitely was a bit nervous,'' Klyne said yester day. ``It was my first year riding in the seniors.''

With a big winter on the road under his belt, Klyne said he expected to perform a lot better on the track this time around.

``I've earned quite a bit of respect on the road, but I haven't ridden the track all that seriously,'' he said. ``This year I will be a lot more competitive, especially in the wheel races.''

Klyne said tomorrow's carnival was a great opportunity to acclimatise to the unique West Park track, which will stand him in good stead for the New Year's Day Carnival.

``No-one will be in peak form so I'm just going to give it my best shot.''

Following this first carnival for the year, Klyne will take a few weeks' break to concentrate on school exams before turning his attention to preparing for the Christmas carnivals and the Youth Olympics in Sydney in January.

Describing himself as ``not a big sprinter'', he will ride in the criterium and individual pursuit events at the Youth Olympics - gaining further experience at the international level.

FORMULA One ace Michael Schumacher started his motor sport career behind the wheel of a go-kart. That is a fact Smithton's Ben Kay likes to think about when he pushes his four-wheel machine to the limit around his home karting track at Briant Park.

He'll be doing just that this weekend when the 2002 Tall Timbers Tasmanian Sprint Kart Championships hit town, bringing along 21 quality interstate competitors.

In the junior national heavy class, Kay will lead the local assault on a track he knows and loves.

``The mainland drivers adapt pretty well to any circuit, so that makes it hard. This track combines tight corners with a few straights that are fairly quick and some fast corners and it's fairly flat,'' he said. ``I haven't raced against mainland drivers before so I don't know how I'll go, hopefully I can finish well inside the top 10.''

The 16-year-old, a boasting Ford fan, became involved in the sport through one of his father's mates who owned a kart. He already treasured motor sport and after only a brief squirt around the Briant Park circuit in a kart, he was hooked.

``I'm moving up to seniors next year so I may move up to clubman, which is a bit faster,'' he said. ``It's great getting out amongst it, whether you're hard up behind someone or having someone hard up behind you, it gets the adrenaline pumping.''

In his class, Victorian David Sera will be the one to beat, coming to Smithton with an impressive list of achievements.

A total of 175 entries have been received for this weekend's racing, with heats to be held today, before the flag is waved for the finals tomorrow.

QUALITY ocean-going yacht Kontrol is expected to add the Melbourne to Stanley Yacht Race to its growing list of victories today.

The Peter Blake-skipped vessel is highly favoured to be the first boat to reach the Stanley wharf today as the popular yacht race makes its return to the Coastal town.

Kontrol, formerly named Cadibarra 7 when owned by Nigel Jones, took line honours in the Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race last year and was the only finisher in the rough 1999 Melbourne to Hobart race.

The Melbourne to Stanley race missed out on an Ocean Racing Club of Victoria event last year, with the club deciding to head to the Tamar River.

The overnight trip to Stanley is widely popular with Victorian crews, but only one Tasmanian entry was received by race organisers.

A fleet of 25 yachts left the Queenscliff harbour in Victoria at 10.30 p.m. last night to take the short voyage across Bass Strait.

ORCV vice-commodore Angus Fletcher's vessel, Tevake, is expected to be near the front of the fleet. Tevake won the Melbourne to Hobart on handicap in 2000 and was last season's Victorian offshore champion, with handicap wins in the club's races to Launceston, Grassy and Port Fairy.

Force Eleven, skipped by Launceston's Tristan Gourlay, is the only Tasmanian entry and although his yacht is the same design as Tevake, the Victorian vessel is considerably modified.

Another top candidate for race honours is Lou Abrahams with his Sydney 3B, Another Challenge. Abrahams is Victoria's most experienced ocean racer and later this year will be competing in his 40th Sydney-Hobart race.

He will be favoured to win this race on handicap. The race record stands at just under 16 hours, with a strong northerly needed for competitors to come close to breaking the time.

A festival will be held on the Stanley Wharf starting at 5 p.m. today.

FORMER Smithton footballer Daniel McAlister is hoping for a case of deja vu in the AFL's national draft later this month.

McAlister was delisted by Essendon on Thursday amid a salary cap-cutting exercise at Essendon where four premiership players - Blake Caracella, Chris Heffernan, Justin Blumfield and Steven Alessio - have either been traded or delisted.

McAlister, who was drafted with the No. 5 selection at the 1996 national draft, played just six matches for the club including three this season, spending most of the time in the club's VFL side.

However, it's not the first time McAlister has been dropped by his club, the skilful utility was cut from Essendon's list at the end of 2001, but picked up again via the 2001 national draft.

He's hoping the same situation occurs and his AFL future is secure.

``I'm pretty sure I'll be looking for a new club. It's disappointing for me, I've got a family with one kid and another on the way, so there's always pressure there,'' he said.

`I'll definitely play football somewhere. I've got two drafts to go through yet so we'll wait and see. I'll move out of the State if it means I play AFL.''

McAlister has spent the last week working at a Circular Head farm. He has already had several offers from other clubs. The Tasmanian Football Club has also put the feelers out to gain McAlister's services.

``I've spoken to my people and they said the Tassie club would be interested in me playing there. I've got some good friends playing there at the moment, but I'm not sure,'' he said.

McAlister joins Penguin-born player Justin Plapp on the list of Tasmanian AFL players seeking to be drafted by an AFL club this month.

TOLL Holdings Ltd has bought Brambles Shipping for $73m. But there is no plan to change current arrangements for the two Brambles ships which operate out of the Port of Burnie, according to Toll managing director Paul Little, who announced the deal yesterday.

Toll will take over the operation of the two red container ships - Victorian Reliance and Tasmanian Achiever - which sail daily between Burnie and Melbourne.

``I think Brambles globally have felt they need to return to their core activities, and shipping goods in and out of Tasmania isn't one of them - but it is one of ours,'' Mr Little said. ``There are no plans to change the current arrangement with Burnie port,'' he added.

Burnie Port Corporation chief executive officer Stuart Tyson said the BPC had yet to meet with Toll regarding the change of ownership.

``We would be hoping that the change of ownership would sit no less favourably than the arrangement with Brambles,'' he said.

Mr Tyson anticipated there would be discussions next week between the BPC, Toll and Brambles. Mr Little told Toll's annual meeting yesterday the company was watching the logistics market over seas for strategic opportunities, and would continue aggressive growth through acquisitions. He said the purchase of Brambles Shipping would help Toll integrate its national operations.

Toll said Brambles Shipping generated revenue in excess of $100m. Toll had recorded a very strong start to the 2002-03 financial year and was confident of finishing ahead of last year's result, he said.

``The full-year outlook is looking good. Of course, we've got some unknowns there with the drought and the impact that that may have on our rail business and to some extent on our ports business, but at this stage we're very confident about our full-year targets and I think we'll finish the year ahead of last.''

Toll had a record net profit for 2001-02 of $74.16m, up 50.6 p.c. from the previous year.

THE COMFORT teddy bears can bring to children in distressing situations has inspired two Devonport women.

After Gloria and Helen Jones saw a news story telling of the lack of funds police had to provide support teddies for children, their motherly instincts kicked in. They handcrafted 10 trauma teddies, each with their own personality and individual features, to donate to Devonport police.

Helen Jones said she enjoyed making teddy bears and wanted to put her talent to good use. She said teddy bears were the perfect comfort for children because ``they are soft and cuddly and warm''.

With the teddies perched around his office, Sgt Rick Shegog said the station was ``more than happy to accept such a kind offer''. ``I have seen a child receive a trauma bear previously and the idea is excellent and works well,'' Sgt Shegog said. ``The bears will be used to give to children at an accident or other incident, or at the station when we get young children in here.

``The comfort of these teddies can make that experience less traumatic and a little more comfortable,'' he said.

Sgt Shegog said it was ``nice to know someone out there has thought of others in need and offered their services''.

``They have done an excellent job making them out of old coats which makes them more personal.''

Helen's daughter, Mikaela, joined in on the heart-warming gift by helping choose the ribbons which added the final touch to each bear.

ADOPTION rights for gay couples will be included in the Government's reform of laws which discriminate against same-sex couples.

However, the Opposition claimed yesterday the changes would ``be going a bit too far''. Attorney-General Judy Jackson said most gay adoptions, like most heterosexual adoptions, would be second-parent adoptions where one person's child was adopted by the other partner.

Ms Jackson said while the same-sex marriage legislation was a Federal matter, the State Government would introduce a register whereby same-sex de facto couples could register their relationship as a binding contract. Shadow attorney-general Michael Hodgman said extending the legislation to adoption rights for same-sex couples had the potential to turn into a ``legal minefield''.

Ms Jackson warned the Opposition not to employ scare tactics because same-sex couples would have to pass the same stringent criteria as any heterosexual couple wishing to adopt. She said the legislative reform had to cover all areas.

``If we are going to introduce this legislation it should cover all areas, otherwise in itself it will be discriminatory,'' Ms Jackson said. ``There are very few adoptions in Tasmania, very few local, less than 10 a year I believe,'' she said. ``The majority of adoptions in Tasmania are second-parent adoptions and that's where you have a heterosexual couple and one of those couples brings a child to a second relationship that was the child of another relationship.

``What we are proposing is that we allow that to happen because there are gay couples who bring a child from another heterosexual relationship to a single-sex relationship,'' she said.

Gay advocate Rodney Croome said the legislative reform was a step in the right direction for anti-discrimination and highlighted that gay couples would still have to pass the same adoption tests as heterosexual ones.

``What we're talking about is simply allowing same-sex couples to be assessed along with anyone else and they will have to make the grade,'' Mr Croome said. ``It's not a right to adopt. It's simply a mission to be assessed.''

Mr Hodgman said the Government should listen to the views of the Tasmanian public before making any legislative changes. ``We believe now the public has been given an opportunity to let us know what their views are,'' Mr Hodgman said. ``We are asking the Government to let's have the details.

``My position is that it's probably going too far but I am open to persuasion and I particularly want to look at the detail. ``There's no other legislation in any state in Australia right now that permits gay adoption.''

THE West Coast Council and the Federal Group, which has invested heavily in the tourism future of Strahan, have joined forces to lobby for funds to extend Strahan Airport.

Behind the push for Federal Government funding is a need to get visitors into the West Coast and valuable marine exports and residents out. Strahan's all-weather landing strip would need to be extended and the tarmac resealed to accommodate the Dash-8 aircraft the region wants to secure. Upgrading the West Coast Council-owned airport is expected to cost about $2.5m. But the council cannot fund the project itself.

``We now need engineering studies to justify the funding before a submission is lodged,'' West Coast Mayor Darryl Gerrity said yesterday. ``It really is stating the obvious.''

Market research has shown tourists want to fly directly into the region, not land in Hobart or Burnie and then drive to the West. And the West Coast needs to get its seafood exports out and into the market quickly and establish direct links with international flights, particularly to the west coast of the United States. Cr Gerrity fished for funds when Federal Tourism Minister Ian Macfarlane was on board the West Coast Wilderness Railway recently.

``It was like the great train robbery. I was after money. He was receptive and is aware the airport is not adequate,'' Cr Gerrity said.

In August new regional airline Rex singled out Strahan as a service it would consider providing but the condition of the airport was seen as a stumbling block to commercial operators.

MOST people celebrate their 21st birthday with a big feast and maybe the odd beer or 10. Ulverstone's Amelia Cox was in Queensland for her 21st birthday yesterday, but in the past four days has done 100 km of bike riding, 18 km of running and a few swimming sessions in the lead-up to her debut as a professional triathlete at Sunday's Noosa Triathlon.

Cox has developed into one of Australia's best junior triathletes and will take the serious step towards big-time competition against the likes of ``the great'' Emma Carney on Sunday.

``I'm up against girls I used to think were absolutely awesome when I first started,'' Cox said from the Gold Coast yesterday. ``Emma was one of those athletes I really looked up to and it's going to be interesting lining up alongside her.''

While not expecting to finish in the placings, Cox remains focused on bettering her personal best time of two hours and 14 minutes for an Olympic- distance race - 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride and 10 km run.

With Noosa also doubling as the Australian University Championship, the education-human movement student aims to defend the national title she won last year in Canberra.

``I'm fitter than I ever have been and I'm running better than I ever have done before,'' Cox said. ``I'm just focused on achieving a personal best and hoping for a good race over the three legs, showing some improvement.''

Not only has Cox had the guidance of former dual world champion Craig Redman as her coach, but she has been helped in her training during her week-long stay on the Gold Coast, by Ulverstone's Olympic triathlete, Craig Walton.

``It's been great having Craig to train with this week and he's certainly given me a few tips about the race,'' she said.

FORMER Coastal footballers Daniel McAlister and Justin Plapp head the list of eight Tasmanians who have retired or been delisted by AFL clubs in preparation for this month's National Draft and December's pre-season draft.

Joining McAlister and Plapp on the outer and looking for new clubs are Trent Bartlett (Brisbane and Footscray), Michael Martin (Brisbane), Thomas Marshall (Melbourne) and Leigh Brockman (Sydney).

Melbourne's Stephen Febey and Richmond's Paul Hudson have retired with Hudson's name being linked with Tasmania's VFL team, the Devils. McAlister (24) was cut from Essendon's list yesterday along with high-priced veteran Steven Alessio. His five-season career saw the quick flanker play only six games.

The New Zealand-born McAlister has spent the past week holidaying with his parents in Tasmania and it is the second time the Bombers have cut him from their list. Picked at number five in the 1996 draft, McAlister was delisted at the end of the 2001 season only to be re-selected in the national draft.

Plapp (25) is a former Penguin and Burnie forward who has indicated he is keen to continue in the AFL after initially being drafted by Richmond in 1997. He joined St Kilda and played a variety of roles across half-back and up forward.

The massive turnover leaves only Peter Street (Geelong), Brodie Holland (Collingwood), Simon and Patrick Wiggins (Carlton), Gerard Bennett (Sydney), Brady Rawlings (Kangaroos), Russell Robertson and Brad Green (Melbourne) as former Tassie Mariners still on senior lists.

Originally from Devonport and drafted in 1986, the 33-year-old Febey racked up an amazing 258 games, only 14 behind Demons games record-holder Robert Flower.

THE Wynyard Cricket Club, fresh from a resound ing season-opening win over Sheffield, welcomed back former coach Martin Cox for its home game against the Devonport Orions.

An attacking top-order batsman, Cox comes into the side, with youngsters Scott McGaffin and Damian Butler making way. In the Blues crushing 131-run win over Sheffield last week, McGaffin scored 23 and Butler snared 2-8 from four overs.

``Both players were extremely unlucky but we felt the changes needed to be made to beat Devonport,'' Wynyard coach Brendan Keeling said.

In the corresponding round last season, Wynyard had the Orions, who had come into the game with a first-up defeat, almost down and out, but a match-winning century from keeper-batsman Shane Philpott turned the tide.

``This season is almost the same scenario as last year,'' Keeling said. ``The loss to Devonport showed you can never relax and we will try to keep the pressure on all day.''

The Orions hung out the no-change sign and coach Chris Dell said his team realised the importance of the game. ``We realise Wynyard will be one of the teams to beat this season and we don't want to start the season with two losses on the trot,'' Dell said. ``We were pretty disappointed with the result from last week. We outplayed Burnie-Yeoman for about four hours, but they won the last hour and a half and took the game.''

At Latrobe, the Demons made only one change to their winning side to play Sheffield by easing batsman Jamie Skirving to B grade. ``We will not be taking Sheffield lightly and desperately want another win to give us our best start to a season in a long, long time,'' Latrobe coach David Squibb said.

The Mountaineers muscled up for the clash by including veteran all-rounder Jason Crosswell and Shane Crawford. Pace bowler Warwick Gee and Sean Leatherbarrow head the inclusions in the upbeat Burnie-Yeoman side, which takes on Ulverstone at Les Clark Oval. Led superbly to a 29-run win over Devonport last week by Jeremy Leatherbarrow, the Emus will need to be on their game from ball one against a determined Robins side.

Luke Richardson and Andrew Leary make their returns for the visitors and coach Adrian Pearce is looking for a better effort this week. ``We were a bit underdone,'' Pearce said. ``We had no centre-wicket practice but have managed some this week. All our batters have had good sessions in the middle and our strike bowlers have had some quality work.''

THE decision by the Launceston Tigers yesterday to withdraw from the South Eastern Australian Basketball League could help the playing strength of the newly named Coastal team, Patrick Thunder.

The Tigers yesterday announced the continued lack of community support and the financial struggle to field a team and compete in the interstate competition, had forced the club to disband. This leaves Tasmania with two teams, the Hobart Chargers and Patrick Thunder to compete in the national second-tier competition.

``We battled for as long as we could,'' Tigers administrator Helen Polley said. ``It has been an uphill battle to survive and with our withdrawal there will be only two Tasmanian men's teams now and we wish them well.''

Patrick Thunder marketing manager Kim Robinson said her team would look at the availability of some Tigers players but said her club's first aim was to look after its own players.

``We will be talking to some of their players as we want to foster basketball,'' she said. ``Naturally we would look at quality players but we pay no player except for an American import as enforced by the Department of Immigration. Plus we only have 12 spots on our list, so there is not much room.''

Launceston has been represented in either the National Basketball League or the SEABL since the late 1970s and will now be represented by the women's team, the Launceston Tornadoes, at interstate level.

CHILDREN on the North-West will feel the impact of the public liability insurance issue this summer with the closure of the popular Ulverstone water slide.

The slide, which has about 15,000 patrons each summer, normally opens each year during the November long weekend. The slide is also a popular destination for end of year school picnics, not to mention an added attraction for tourists who fill Ulverstone's nearby caravan parks over summer.

An incredible 2625 p.c. increase in public liability premiums over the last ten years has been managed by the owners, but this year they could not find a reputable insurer at all.

Co-owner Dianne Hudson said over the last 10 years, annual public liability premiums for the slide had gone from $400 to $10,500.

The Central Coast council has been approached to take over the slide, and it is understood they are examining their options, but in light of their current process to offload recreational liabilities they seem unlikely to be in a position to take on the slide. Mrs Hudson said it was likely the slide would be advertised for sale soon.

``I WILL tell you right now I am leaving Tasmania because there is nothing here for me anymore, no job opportunities . . . . that is the only option for a lot of us.''

That is the state of affairs for some of the workers at the Watts Communications call centre in Devonport who will take their last phone calls this week. One employee, who only wanted to be identified as Linda, said she was sad she had to leave the State but she wasn't alone.

Things have gone from bad to worse for the call centre. It was placed into liquidation in July after spending eight weeks in voluntary administration. Then on September 17 it was confirmed in a leaked document to The Advocate the centre's last client, Reader's Digest, would take its business to Sydney from November 1.

As their final day looms, the centre's last workers requested a meeting with The Advocate yesterday to tell their story of an uncertain future from tomorrow. It was a sombre group of 20 employees who spoke about their concerns, particularly their feeling of abandonment by the State Government and Watts' Canadian parent company.

In the same breath they tell of their workmates at the centre and the job they love. While the employees agreed the Government had provided access to professional counselling and employment and financial support services, they claim it only came after requests from the centre's management.

One woman, Wendy, described the offerings as ``bandaids applied to a big wound''. Employee Warwick Smith said the main problem was being left in the dark since Sims Lockwood administrator Leearna Plank first addressed the workers five months ago. Mr Smith said since then the whole issue had been swept under the carpet.

``The point we want to really get across is this is not just going to affect us, it is going to affect our families down to the businesses like the little cafe next door,'' he said.

Mr Smith and the other staff then recalled stories of workers who had given up their jobs so others with families or mortgages could stay. With their annual leave entitlements not expected to be paid by the Federal Government's General Employees Entitlements Redundancy Scheme till after Christmas, the group warned Tasmanian employees to make sure their enterprise bargaining agreements contained provisions for severance entitlements.

Because there is no provision in the EBA for redundancy, staff can't pursue it through GEERS. They will take the matter to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. This comes in the wake of a decision by the commission on September 19, ordering Watts to pay former employee Pania Puarito Tata her entitlements. While this will only put them at the back of the line as an unsecured creditor, Mr Smith said at least it was something.

THE Tasmanian Carnival Series is upon us after a winter sabbatical. Sunday's Professional Cross Country Club of Tasmania West Park Carnival will start the proceedings in what is the first serious professional hit-out for cyclists and runners.

It's the 12th time this event has opened the carnival series on the Coast and, from small beginnings, has gained popularity as an early lead-up to the Christmas carnivals series. The day also doubles as a fundraiser for the Arthur Support School.

The headline act on the program is the Burnie Athletic Club West Park Gift for men and women, with each race over 100 metres. After his third placing in the rich 2002 Burnie Gift, Burnie sprinter Tim Potter should be the one to watch, jumping from the blocks at seven metres, while speed machine Mark Nichols, off 6.5metres, will be a major threat.

After a disappointing comeback season last year, Burnie's Kasey Kuusisalo and Devonport's Kristy Rootes should be the top two challengers in the women's gift, off 5.75 metres and 8.5 metres re spectively. The popular John McGuire 1600-metre handicap will give a perfect indication of the form of Tasmania's top middle-distance runners.

Newcomers Sam Ferguson and Michael Neilson, both off 100metres, are well placed to chase home the evergreen pair of Barry Ling and Craig Brown (180 metres), while Sarah-Jane Atkins will be well-equipped to feature among the placings after a big winter with the PCCCT.

The feature event for senior cyclists will be the Burnie Mitsubishi 2000-metre handicap wheel race. The race appears to be wide open with Gareth Atkins off scratch being asked to put in a long and searching ride to catch the well-placed middle markers, led by Somerset's Todd Parnell and Ben and Simon Elliott, from Devonport. The 1000-metre handicap looks like being a race between Jason Bellchambers and Michael Johnson.

The first gun will fire at 11 a.m. on Sunday with admission by donation to the Arthur Support School.

A DEGREE of ``bias marketing'' could be used to attract customers to the Coast's air services, according to the State Opposition.

Liberal Leader Rene Hidding said yesterday the region faced a difficult time following cutbacks to Regional Express Airline services from Devonport and a cloud over the sustainability of the Coast's two airports.

``There has been a fortune expended in marketing the two new ships and in marketing Tasmania generally, it could well be that the North-West Coast needs a bias for some time in order to fire up its ability to attract inbound customers,'' Mr Hidding said. ``We're calling on the Government to assess its market spending, to see if it could not be more regionalised from time to time in order to address an issue of basic infrastructure.''

On Tuesday, Mr Hidding told Parliament Rex was operating at about 30 p.c. capacity. He said the North-West would take years to recover from the loss of another major airline.

``The issue of where the airports are or how many there are is an issue for the local community and I guess a matter for the providers of the services themselves but the provision of infrastructure is a matter for the Government of the day. ``Premier Jim Bacon needs to talk to these people . . . . get a grip on it and make a few things happen.''

Rex chief executive Michael Jones confirmed on Tuesday the airline would cut flights from Devon port in favour of Burnie. Mr Bacon said the Government would continue to work with Rex but ultimately it was a private company that needed to operate profitably.

``The Opposition accepts that it is not the job of the State Government to prop up private companies but companies such as Rex surely deserve some sort of marketing support,'' Mr Hidding said.

Meanwhile, Cradle Coast Authority chairman Roger Jaensch said yesterday making the most of the North-West's airport facilities should be the focus of discussion, rather than the viability of two airports in the region. Mr Jaensch said the region was lucky to have the two facilities and ways should be examined to make the most of their capacities.

Mr Jaensch said the idea of the Cradle Coast Authority undertaking a study into the viability of the two airports was not new, but added the airports were capable of their own decisions. Until that changed, he said, there was no clear role for the authority.

Burnie airport chairman Paul Arnold indicated there probably was too much airport infrastructure in the North-West region. `` If we had time over again we wouldn't build two airports,'' he said.

A Rex spokesman said yesterday there were no further details concerning the cutbacks at Devonport, but said the airline would be happy to return to a full flight schedule if there was adequate consumer demand.

IT'S possible it has lost its American import and its best young player, Matthew Knight, is already gone, but it was smiles all round for the newly named North-West basketball team, the Patrick Thunder, at yesterday's naming ceremony.

As predicted in yesterday's edition of The Advocate, Patrick was named as the club's naming rights sponsor after providing a $70,000 two-year sponsorship contract. The deal, which is widely seen as a lifeline for the former Boag's Brewers, comes on the heels of the withdrawal of J. Boag & Son as the major sponsor at the end of the 2002 season.

``We have a new name in Patrick Thunder, a new image and new colours,'' chairwoman Gail Anderson said. ``We are the only sporting team in the region competing on a national level. Our younger players can be developed right here at home and our younger players have something to aspire to.''

Knight, who left yesterday for a United States tour with the Australian Institute of Sport, will play with the AIS team, which will line up against the Patrick Thunder in next year's roster.

``Matthew will be sorely missed and we will have to wait and see what developments occur with Basketball Tasmania and the immigration department regarding our import situation,'' coach Mark Radford said. ``Robert White is a chance to return and I believe Somerset are keen to get Jeromy Thompson back.''

Other players may become available to the Thunder if the Launceston Tigers ABA team folds. Players such as Jason Pepper, Damon Runyon and star guard Glenn Dunne could be valuable recruits for the Coastal team. J. Boag & Son will continue as a supporting sponsor of the Patrick Thunder.

WHILE racing at the Latrobe Speedway remains in neutral, the green flag will be waved at the Hobart International Speedway on November 9, ending the thought of a Statewide termination of the sport.

A massive increase in public liability insurance forced speedway operators onto the back foot last month with several tracks left to contemplate an indefinite closure. The Hobart track has found the extra money by means of savings in various areas and a slight increase in the admission prices, something that Latrobe Speedway spokesman Trevor Harman would not consider.

``We would like to avoid it like the plague. We would prefer to try every means rather than put up the prices,'' he said. ``We don't want to kill the sport that way.''

Harman said yesterday that no solutions had been found to rescue the Coastal speedway, but he was expecting some positive news from Labor MHA Brenton Best within weeks.

The news is fantastic for drivers and their crews, as most Coastal competitors travel to compete in Hobart on a regular basis. The Hobart International Speedway owners and operators have not only saved themselves from extinction, they are promising a bumper season.

``With the insurance dramas now solved, it's time to go racing and we have one of the best ever seasons planned,'' Charlie Baker, co-owner of the speedway, said. He said the November 9 season start was still subject to the issuing of all relevant permits, but the uncertainty that had surrounded the 2002-03 season had been removed.

``Despite our public liability premiums increasing over 400 p.c. in the last two years we have managed to make savings in various areas and there will only be a slight increase to the admission prices.''

The two major events at Hobart International Speedway this season will be January's Grand National for Super Sedans and the Premier's Cup for Sprintcars in March.

WHILE most people visit the Mexican resort town of Cancun to relax and enjoy the picturesque surrounds, three Coastal triathletes won't have time to admire the scenery.

Danny Keep, Angus Martin and Staci McGregor leave the State this week to take part in the 2002 World Triathlon Championships at Cancun, part of the largest Australian team ever to contest the world championships.

All three triathletes will be making their world championship debuts, with Keep competing in the men's 45-49 age group, Martin in the men's 30-34 years category and McGregor in the women's 20-24 age group.

Just gaining selection in the Australian team was a major achievement with the triathletes having to either win or finish in the top echelon of their age category in an ITU-sanctioned event.

Training with the ``Red Hot Olives'' group, based at Ulverstone, the trio has been focusing on the World Championships since qualifying earlier in the year. Following their selection in the team in May, the triathletes have undertaken a hefty training regime, including swimming four mornings a week, as well as three or four running sessions and three or four sessions on the bike each week.

``It's been very hard having to prepare for a world championships during our winter,'' coach and advisor to the trio Craig Redman said. ``They've all had some sort of setback along the way.''

McGregor has been battling stress fractures, Martin has just recovered from a severe bout of the flu and Keep has been having difficulty finding enough spare time to train due to heavy business commitments. Redman said the trio had been undertaking some unique training to assist with the transition from the cool Tasmanian weather conditions to the conditions expected in Cancun.

``It's going to be one of the biggest challenges, adapting to the heat and humidity after training through the cold Tasmanian winter,'' he said. ``Staci and Angus have been riding bikes on an indoor trainer at the Ulverstone pool to try to simulate the heat and humidity they can expect.''

The World Triathlon Championships will be held on November 9 and 10.

DESPITE the late withdrawal of Australian one-day captain Ricky Ponting and the availability of Shane Warne for Victoria, Tasmanian Tigers captain Jamie Cox is confident his team can defeat the Bushrangers in the Pura Cup clash starting today at the MCG.

``I'm not really sure why Ricky is not playing but we cannot worry about that as our preparation for this season is the best it's been,'' Cox said. ``All the players, from the batsmen who have scored some runs to the bowlers taking some wickets, should benefit from a solid pre-season and hopefully we can turn this early form into a win.''

The ACB made the decision to rest Ponting after his two centuries in extreme heat in the just-completed test series against Pakistan. In-form batsman Graeme Cunningham is expected to make his Pura Cup debut in Ponting's place, with left-arm wrist spinner Shannon Tubb likely to carry the drinks.

``We haven't been out onto the ground yet but from what we have heard (the pitch) should assist the pacemen,'' Cox said. ``The team is not quite finalised just yet but we will field a strong unit with possibly Tubby being 12th man.''

With a score of 78 in Tasmania's losing ING Cup match against Queensland on Sunday, Cox appears set for another outstanding domestic season. ``My form has been okay since I returned from England,'' he said. ``I have been pretty keen to make some runs as I didn't get as many as I would like over there.''

REGIONAL Express Airlines will cut flights from Devonport Airport in favour of Burnie. Rex chief executive officer Michael Jones said yesterday the airline was not withdrawing from Devonport it was "shrinking to grow''.

Earlier this month, Mr Jones told The Advocate Rex was losing money and that the North-West Coast should ``use it or lose it''. The Rex announcement came on the same day Premier Jim Bacon told Parliament there were concerns over the viability of maintaining two airports on the Coast in light of claims Rex was operating at 30 p.c. capacity.

Mr Bacon said the Government would continue to work with Rex but ultimately it was a private sector company.

``They (Rex) have indicated an improvement in bookings . . . but it would be quite wrong and I don't think people on the North-West Coast treat this as something which is automatically going to be there forever,'' he said. ``There is concern expressed previously by Qantas, as well as Kendell, and now Rex, as to the viability of those two (Burnie and Devonport) airports.''

Mr Jones said all of the airline's routes were under review and he would like to see a full schedule reintroduced in Devonport in the future. There will still be some interstate flights available from Devonport. Mr Jones said the reasoning behind the move was to ``better serve the market''. He said further details of the changes to services would be released later in the week. He said he was not at liberty to fully explain why Burnie was chosen over Devonport other than it was ``a commercial reason, to do with competitors''.

Mr Bacon said Rex had the disadvantage of being new to the marketplace and was not linked to different agents and networks with connections to international airlines.

``Ultimately Rex is a private sector operation and as they pointed out they do have to operate profitably. They are certainly prepared to give the North-West Coast of Tasmania a very decent service and to continue with that.''

Burnie Airport chief executive Allan Leeson and Port of Devonport chief executive Richard Barnard were surprised by Mr Jones' comments. Mr Barnard said the news was disappointing.

``There's been no consultation, but no doubt they have strong commercial reasons for their decision,'' he said.

Mr Leeson expressed his confidence in the future of Burnie Airport.

WHILE the 2002 State of the Regions report revealed Tasmanian regions were economically the hardest hit in the nation, local commentators are optimistic the State and North-West Coast in particular are through the worst.

The study, completed by National Economics for the Australian Local Government Association, warned that Australia's poorest regions were slipping further behind those in other developed nations, with few able to compete in the global economy as the cities continued to boom. It said most of Australia's 64 regions lacked the creative core to encourage innovation and entre preneurial skills.

Incomes in the richest areas were growing at almost five times the rate of those in the poorest regions, the report said. And 20 p.c. of the population with the highest incomes controlled almost 35 p.c. of the nation's housing stock.

``If these trends continue at the current rate it will not be too long before Australian claims to be a land of equality have a hollow ring,'' National Economics executive director Dr Peter Brain said.

The report exposed the hardest hit were all areas of Tasmania with its three regions landing in the bottom 10 regions based on economic performance. However, with major infrastructure coming into play after the report period, which ended in July this year, the tough times may be behind the North-West Coast.

These include a $12m investment plan released this month for the Cradle Coast region, the twin monohull ferries launched in September, the Woolnorth wind farm opening earlier this month and Duke Energy on track.

Cradle Coast Authority executive chairman Roger Jaensch said yesterday there was ``a lot of optimism and a lot of things happening and we know we have been through a pretty tough time''. ``Employment rates don't just change in an instant and while we might be on a positive trend, we know things are tough here and that is one of the reasons the Cradle Coast Authority and Federal Government launched the $12m investment plan for the region,'' Mr Jaensch said.

``The projects with the ships and Vestas are making us all feel good and there is a lot of potential for us to build on. ``With that, plus the $12m Federal funding, we should be able to make a real difference.''

Local Government Association of Tasmania executive director Stewart Wardlaw said that in general, there was a lot more confidence in the Tasmanian community over the past few months. State of the Regions report co-author and principal economist Dr Craig Shepherd said he was ``fully aware of the opportunity Tasmania has''.

``The wind farm and Basslink are fantastic innovations and . . . . those sort of measures take a long time to feed through the economy. ``At the same time it is important not to hide the actual unemployment levels.''

THE COAST'S interstate men's basketball team, formerly known as the North-West Boag's Brewers, has been handed a lifeline to continue for at least two more seasons after it was revealed yesterday it had come perilously close to extinction.

The club is expected to announce in Devonport today one of the most lucrative single sponsorships for any Tasmanian sporting team, with its saviour likely to be multinational company Patrick.

``Certainly, we were looking like we would have to pull the plug,'' club marketing manager Kim Robinson said yesterday. ``There was no doubt it was all over, but all will be revealed at our announcement.''

When approached yesterday, spokesman for Patrick, State stevedoring manager John Veal said: ``I can't confirm or deny anything other than our corporate philosophy is based around supporting community projects and we will be involved in an important announcement tomorrow.''

Sources indicate the sponsorship deal, which will add to Patrick's already major sponsorship of the Tasmanian Devils VFL side, is expected to be upwards of $70,000 over two years and would bring a new name and image to the 1996 national championship club.

With the Launceston Tigers on the verge of folding, North-West Tasmania is likely to be the only men's club side based in the north of the State in an interstate sporting competition next year.

Top Coastal SEABL guard and Devonport school teacher Ben Murfet came up with the idea for the team's new image. The Coast has had a proud history in the SEABL competition, joining in 1986 as Devonport and winning the national title in the 1996 ABA championship final against Knox at a jam-packed Devonport stadium. The club has registered an operating profit over the past two seasons.

``We had to work on the worst case scenario . . . we have been told by the ABA our costs to be in the league will jump from $33,000 to $44,000 and due to the expanded nature of the competition next season, we will have an extra two road trips, one being to Sydney,'' club chairman Gail Anderson said yesterday.

``The club is still going to have to work very hard . . . we will need to work harder at fundraising and we still need to grow our spectator support, like we have done in the last two years.''

Mark Radford has already been reappointed as club coach, with Mal Beveridge as his assistant, while the club's ability to secure a US import for next season will depend on Basketball Tasmania challenging new immigration laws which restrict the club from sub-leasing an import to an NWBU club.

Best of both worlds at joint meet
NEXT week's Melbourne Cup will be celebrated in many ways - none better than at the combined greyhound and pacing meet at the Devonport Showground.

Combined meets were a popular item on the racing calendar a few seasons back and with an expected 10 greyhound and four harness races on the card, this meet should draw a large crowd.

With the best of both worlds on offer, some fine racing is assured. Four semi-finals of the Tasmanian Breeders Classic for greyhounds will be run at the meet, with the first two in each race making it into the following week's $13,000 final. The semi-final winners will also receive $1000 each, plus a Tasbred bonus of $850.

The harness field acceptances close today and club president Mike Castles said good racing was expected. ``We will have to wait till final acceptances, but some strong performers will be appearing,'' he said.

One runner sure to make his presence felt will be John Castles' Reigning Supreme. ``We are hoping his recent form, where he has won at Devonport and was placed at Launceston, will continue,'' John Castles said.

Competitions including best dressed and best hat will be run and there will be a Melbourne Cup luncheon. Bookings can be made by contacting either the pacing or greyhound club.

A FOCUS on bringing the club's three playing groups closer together is new Ulverstone NTFL coach Brent Plant's goal for the 2002 runner-up.

Plant was appointed as the Robins' top dog on Monday night and immediately made known his plans to see Ulverstone's three teams back in the upper echelons of the NTFL ladders - positions the club has held since the NTFL's inception.

``It is my aim to merge the three playing groups so that the younger ones and the reserves players feel comfortable with my coaching and from that we should have a closer group of players,'' Plant said. ``I aim to lift the youth in the Ulverstone area and will have all players at the club considered for senior selection on merit alone.''

With an ageing list and some players rumoured to be moving on, some football pundits have suggested Plant may have bitten off more than he can chew with the Ulverstone job.

``From an outsider's point of view I can understand some people's thinking,'' he said. ``However, we had the senior team in the grand final and I would like to think that the loss would be a knot in the stomachs of the players and that should be a spur for a better season next year. ``I have spoken to quite a few of the club's playing list and have received general support, which indicates that the position is not as daunting as it first appeared.''

With pre-season to start on November 18, Plant will be joined by Tassie Mariners fitness advisor Dave Beard in mapping out what could be a big pre-season.

THE incumbent mayors of councils along the North-West Coast must be doing something right. Last night voters in the 2002 local government elections sent the mayors of councils from Latrobe to the West Coast a vote of confidence.

Roger Chalk was returned to the Waratah-Wynyard mayoral chair, the West Coast's Darryl Gerrity was overwhelmingly returned to the council and the unopposed top spot, Ross Hine was re-elected to the Circular Head Council, keeping his position as mayor, and Burnie Mayor Alvwyn Boyd was also a clear winner.

On King Is. the race was much tighter with only two votes separating the mayoral contenders and incumbent mayor David Brewster was clinging to his position.

In Devonport, deputy mayor Peter Hollister claimed the top job after Mary Binks stepped down. At Latrobe, Mayor Bert Campbell beat off Cr Michael Gaffney's challenge. Mayor Mike Downie comfortably won the top job on the Central Coast Council.

WHILE it appears Braddon MHA Brett Whiteley will only cop a slap on the wrist when he faces the Liberal Party State Executive this weekend, some party members are still gunning for his expulsion.

Mr Whiteley yesterday appeared quietly confident of a positive outcome at Saturday's hearing in Launceston, maintaining he was looking forward to the matter being resolved. However, his detractors are still pushing for the maximum penalty to be imposed with the outcome threatening to cause a split in the party.

``I'm pleased to have come to a point to have this matter fairly and appropriately dealt with in the hope we can move forward in a positive way and capitalise on the fresh approach of the parliamentary Liberal Party,'' Mr Whiteley said yesterday. ``It is not my intention to pre-empt the decision but I am looking forward to it being resolved. ``This wasn't an issue to be lobbied, I have more respect for my colleagues than that.''

Mr Whiteley has said he would not give up his seat in Parliament even if the party votes to remove him. An internal investigation into the distribution of a how-to-vote card by Mr Whiteley was launched after members of the Devonport branch passed a motion to expel him.

In September, Mr Whiteley pleaded guilty to breaching the State Electoral Act for using fellow candidates' names on the card without their permission. No conviction was recorded on the provision Mr Whiteley be of good behaviour for 12 months. Premier Jim Bacon then made changes to a vital parliamentary declaration to allow the Braddon member to take his seat in Parliament.

On Saturday he will face up to 40 members of the State executive, including Leader Rene Hidding, to explain his actions. Mr Whiteley's supporters have pointed to the party's constitution highlighting it only allows for expulsion or inaction on the matter.

However, Liberal Party State director Peter Skillern said yesterday sanctions available ranged from ``expulsion to no sanction and anything in between''.

Mr Whiteley's opponents have said they won't accept anything less than expulsion. It is understood Mr Whiteley has offered to mediate with the Devonport branch but is yet to receive a response. Mr Skillern said both Mr Whiteley and his opponents would have up to an hour to present their cases before the State executive which can also question the groups. He said a majority vote of three-fifths of those attending was needed to pass a motion and to decide on a sanction, if necessary.

THE Ulverstone Football Club has announced that Brent Plant will take over from Max Brown as senior coach.

The club met last night to discuss the coaching panel for the 2003 season where Plant was confirmed as senior coach on a two-year contract.

``Brent will coach Ulverstone for the next two years,'' Ulverstone president Ron Ansell said last night. ``We wanted a two-year deal because it's good to have stability within club.''

Ansell also announced that David Bell was reappointed under 18 coach for a second year while the search for a reserves coach should be finalised within a week. The senior coaching job became open after Brown, who took the Robins to the grand final this year, declined to re-apply for the position.

Plant played for Ulverstone for two seasons during his 20-year career - in 1994 he was an assistant coach to Brown and he returned again for another year in 2000. Plant, who this year served as an assistant coach with the Tassie Mariners, has an extensive footballing resume as both a player and coach.

As a player he won NWFU premierships with the Cooee Football Club in 1982 and 1984, played with the Burnie Hawks in the Statewide League and took Penguin to a NTFL grand final in 1992 while captain/coach of the side.

Plant's coaching experience includes roles with the Mariners and Devils over the past two seasons and involvement with State junior representative sides.

IT was the stuff fairytales are made of and for Latrobe second-year coach David Squibb, a six to bring up a 100 and a team win over Ulverstone was a start to the season he could only dream of.

A former Devonport and Wesley Vale (MVCA) player, Squibb knew the months of pre-season training and planning would count for nothing if someone from his young side did not stand up and be counted.

With Squibb dominating with the willow and his young Demons doing likewise with the ball and in the field, Ulverstone collapsed giving its lofty NWTCA rating a hammering after just one day of what looks an exciting Coastal season.

``It was a great win for the club and it was terrific to see the excitement in the players' eyes,'' Squibb said. ``There is a real buzz around the place and the win was just what was required to start the season.''

Squibb's century, his first in five seasons, came in a flurry. His century was scored in just 171 minutes with seven fours and four sixes using a mixture of controlled aggression with long-handled attacks.

``On a personal note it was very satisfying to get the 100,'' he said. ``I started to hit out a bit at the end and slogged a six to get to the century.''

This week the upbeat Demons will take on another young side in Sheffield and Squibb is keen to make it two wins in a row. Squibb has been named as the first recipient of the 2002/2003 The Advocate-Sportspower Player-of-the-Year Award.

HAVING been struck down with glandular fever two years ago, Penguin sprinter John Howe is hoping to use this weekend's Tasmanian All-Schools Athletics Carnival in Hobart to underline his return to top form.

Howe said he had only fully recovered from the debilitating effects of glandular fever this year, a statement illustrated at the recent North-West all-schools athletics meeting where he set a record of 11.42 seconds in the 100 metres and equalled the 200-metre record of 23.16 seconds.

If all goes to plan, Howe will run the 100 metres in around 11.1 seconds on Saturday, a time good enough to qualify for the national all-schools championships in Hobart in December.

``It's only the start of the season and I'm running as fast as I have in previous seasons which has given me a lot of confidence,'' Howe said yesterday.

Howe posted an unofficial time of 11.08 on a windy day two weeks ago. The 17-year-old Hellyer College student, who trains under Trent Nicholls at Penguin, said he was keen for another shot at the national level after he was hampered by the illness when he competed at the national all-schools championships in Adelaide in 2000.

``I ran in the 100 metres and was actually ahead at the 60-metre mark when the glandular fever kicked in,'' he said.

Also a promising young footballer, Howe played at full forward for Penguin's senior side this season. He said following the national all-schools championships from December 5-8, he was keen to mount a full-on campaign in the Coastal carnival series.

WITH number one ruckman Peter Everitt on his way to Hawthorn, St Kilda has moved quickly to secure former King Island and Port Power ruckman Barry Brooks.

The trade was made yesterday in a hectic final day of trading. The former 2001 all-Australian under 18 player was drafted by Port Adelaide in 2001 but spent most of this season playing in the South Australian National Football League with North Adelaide.

``I was never ever going to get a game with Port Adelaide with the rucks they had there. ``With Mathew Primus, Barnaby French, Dean Brogan, Brendon Lade and Cain Ackland, something had to give,'' Brooks said. ``Mark Williams (Power coach) said a couple of rucks were going to go and I guess Barnaby (to Carlton) and I were the two.''

At 200 cm and just 18 years old, Brooks was the first King Island player to be drafted and is expected to press for a senior spot with the Saints next season.

``I'll go over tomorrow (Wednesday) for an introduction and possibly move fully on the weekend,'' he said. ``I'm really keen to get over there as I see it as a chance to extend my career rather than shorten it. ``The Saints have some good big men but I see this as a real boost to my career.''

So highly has St Kilda thought of Brooks that they traded picks eight and 35 for the former Tassie Mariner. The Saints also signed Western Bulldog ruckman and key position player Luke Penny.

VICTORIAN-based construction company John Holland has won the contract to construct Vestas International's $15m nacelle factory at Wynyard.

The Danish wind farm component manufacturer will lodge the development application for the project with Waratah-Wynyard Council today. The council is expected to give the application the stamp of approval at its November 11 meeting.

Construction of the factory is tipped to be swift with telephone connections for on-site offices at Burnie Airport expected to be ready by November 25. And it is understood units at Wynyard are being snapped up by an investor but it is not clear if the property buy-up is connected with the nacelle factory.

``On face value it looks like the application will be deemed permitted use and meets the council planning scheme,'' the Waratah-Wynyard Council's director of planning and development, David Derrick, said yesterday. ``The council is obliged to approve it and can then put what conditions on the development they see fit. ``Now things have clicked the development should move very fast.''

Mr Derrick said the development application, prepared by Hydro Consulting, was a big document with good plans and was much better than an earlier draft application.

``If the application had have been left with the Department of Economic Development it would still be on their laps,'' he said.

The next step in the construction of the factory, which is expected to create up to 400 jobs, will be the lodging of a building permit and Mr Derrick said he understood this was already being prepared.

FORESTRY is unlikely to be back on the agenda at a Labor Party conference despite internal pressures to act or risk further division on the issue of clear-felling in old-growth areas.

Premier Jim Bacon and the Deputy Premier, Paul Lennon, were adamant yesterday debate on the controversial issue was over and the party was ``at one'' on the Regional Forest Agreement.

It followed a successful move by ALP members at the weekend's State Conference to replace several anti-forestry motions with one that would install a sub-committee to oversee and monitor the transition from clear-felling in old-growth forests.

However, Federal Labor MHR Duncan Kerr, a long-time campaigner against the practice, was also claiming victory, denying he had been intimidated into a change of heart.

``People entered this process as a compromise and people enter a compromise with a whole range of different objectives,'' Mr Kerr said. ``The underlying starting point in this debate was a statement by the forest unions concerned that they want to get out of clear-felling of old-growth forests as soon as possible.

``The committee will be looking at a process of transition out of the clear-felling of old-growth forest. ``If that can be achieved then that battle that I have been at the forefront of will be resolved. If it can't be there's going to be widespread anger in the community and in many branches.''

However, as Mr Kerr attempted to portray the outcome as a win, Mr Bacon and Mr Lennon maintained forestry policy would not change.

``There'll be no review of forest policy inside the ALP,'' Mr Lennon said. ``I don't think there's an awful lot of reason to debate it again at a Labor Party conference and I don't expect it will be,'' Mr Bacon said.

But Mr Kerr warned divisions would continue if the committee fails to come up with an acceptable solution. Greens Leader Peg Putt claimed Mr Kerr had been ``done like a dinner'' and said sending the issue to a committee was political stalling.

CHOCOLATE is the most divine word. Spoken from the lips of Juliette Binoche it provokes pure decadence in the sinful cinematic Chocolat, where her chocolaterie threatens the moral fibre of a repressed French village.

Even the written word drips lustrous residue, read and repeated it's hypnotic. But it is at the hands of Igor Van Gerwen that chocolate becomes sublime. Yesterday the House of Anvers was officially opened by ABC celebrity chef Stefano de Pieri, who declared the venture an example of a person's passion coming into its own.

``It is fantastic . . . . . Igor kept the finished product a surprise for me because I wanted to come and see it when it was all done. ``Now here we are in this wonderful place. ``Igor and I already do a couple of lines together and I hope to expand on that more in the premium market,'' Mr de Pieri said before posing with Igor and his family for a celebratory photograph.

Scooped up in her father's arms, little Kate Van Gerwen (2) didn't hesitate in helping herself to the chocolate platter on offer.

House of Anvers had its soft opening eight days ago and was an instant hit with its Belgian-style breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas and luscious hot chocolate, some served with chilli. On Saturday the garden tables were full and the chocolate tasting counter blocked the front foyer, as staff struggled to service the demand.

Yesterday's formal opening was the culmination of an arduous 18-month journey for the Van Gerwen family. Igor says it would not have happened without the support shown by the North-West Coast.

In March he decided it was time to access the tourism market and open a $500,000 chocolate factory, cafe and museum at Wyndarra Lodge. Despite approval from the Latrobe Council, the proposal was rejected by the Resource Planning and Development Commission on traffic grounds.

Mr Van Gerwen received tremendous support from all political quarters, as well as the local community, and then was thrown a lifeline in July this year with a $121,000 Federal Government grant that enabled the project to go ahead.

The House of Anvers is open seven days a week.

KIMBERLEY truck driver Mark Dent is lucky to be alive after a forklift speared into his back, missing vital organs by a mere half a centimetre.

Yesterday, from his hospital bed, Mr Dent (40) broke into a cold sweat as he re-told the story and realised again how close he was to dying. Mr Dent was unloading a trailer of freight on Saturday at Tasmanian Freight Services at Latrobe when he sliced open a bag of grain with the forklift blade. He jumped off the forklift to save the grain but the handbrake didn't hold. When he saw the forklift was heading straight for some more freight, he chased it and flicked it into neutral before turning back to the bag of grain.

``The next thing I knew I had the fork crunching into my back and I thought I've got a busted back here. I've broken an arm and a leg before but this was the worst pain I had experienced in my life,'' Mr Dent said.

He was conscious through the ordeal but hyperventilating with shock. ``I went to my knees and sang out for help.''

One of his colleagues saw the predicament and freed him from being pinned against a trailer by the forklift blade. Another colleague grabbed a towel and held it on the wounds to stem the blood.

``The ambulance was there in a short time but to me it felt like forever . . . . there was a lot of pain. My shirt was embedded in the wound and I think that helped stop the bleeding as well.''

Mr Dent was rushed to the Mersey Community Hospital where he went into surgery and received 20 internal and a dozen external stitches.

``The doctors told me I was half a centimetre away from dying as the blade was that close to my vital organs . . . . it went through two muscle walls and put a lot of pressure on a third,'' Mr Dent said.

He said he hadn't wanted to talk about the accident till yesterday when he felt he was getting over the trauma a little. ``My family has told me I've been very blase about how close I came to dying but I thought I was going alright till I started talking to you about it again and now my legs have gone into a cold sweat again.

``At the time the pain was so extreme I didn't care what they had to do to stop it but I didn't realise how lucky I was then and how close I came to dying.''

Mr Dent said he is expected to make a full recovery and had no problem with the thought of getting back on a forklift.

DEFENDING surf safari boat champion Penguin will not be travelling to Hobart to protect its 2001 title today due to crew work commitments.

The perennial State champion won last year's race, despite crossing the line second behind Ulverstone, but has a number of rowers unavailable due to fire brigade exams.

The Ulverstone crew was disqualified after coming into contact with a kayak competitor last year, leaving Penguin with the title.

``We were disappointed in losing the race,'' Ulverstone boat captain Simon Eade said. ``However there was nothing we could do about it and we have put that behind us and have trained really hard for this race.''

The 22 km race will see boat crews begin outside the Boardwalk Gallery at Wrest Point from 11 a.m. With gale-force south-westerly winds forecast, the fitness and techniques of the crews will be tested to the limits, but Eade and his team are prepared for the worst.

``On the river it is quite open and will be a real test of character,'' Eade said. ``Of the opposition, they will all be tough, but I think Carlton Park, Burnie and Devonport will be the hardest to beat.''

The team - Eade, Gary Jordan, Roger Gaby, Marcus Butler and sweep Troy Butler - missed last weekend's Wynyard to Somerset marathon, which was won by Penguin.

Former Burnie surf ski champion Jamie Stubbs, now of Carlton Park, will start as favourite in the men's event with Clifton Beach veteran Julie Howard expected to be the one to beat in the women's race.

As well as the ski and boat events, there will be sections catering for sea kayaks and boards.

MITCHELL and Andrew Redman carry a name synonymous with surf lifesaving and triathlons and are showing signs of competency and talent in both fields.

Their uncle, Craig Redman, is a world-class age triathlete and their parents, Danny and Linda Redman, have dabbled successfully in surf life saving for many years.

Now it's just a matter of which avenue they take to continue to keep the Redman name in the spotlight - such is their untapped ability.

Today Mitchell (13) and Andrew (11) line up in the Ulverstone Just Tri It Triathlon where they are expected to dominate their respective age groups.

According to Danny Redman, the boys love their sport and work hard to achieve results.

``They are pretty excited about competing. It's the third year the triathlon has been run and they have been in every one,'' Redman said. ``They swim three mornings a week. One of them didn't want to swim this morning because he wants to save himself for the race.

``For them, this is a chance to get out and compete in something different than what they usually do on the beach.''

The Redman duo, who will be joined by Ulverstone Swimming Club mates Brady Butcher and Bradley Lynd in today's race, compete more regularly on the beach in surf carnivals.

But remember, uncle Craig and one of the world's best triathletes, Craig Walton, started their sporting careers in the surf.

``They're probably more into surf at this stage, but who knows what they'll want to do down the track,'' Danny said.

Mother Linda won't be on hand to witness her boys in action today, she'll be rowing in the Southern surf safari in Hobart for the Ulverstone women's boat crew.

Today's race is a perfect setting for beginner and junior athletes.

A MINOR knee injury sustained in the back of a Tarago van will not stop Tasmanian Tigers acting captain Jamie Cox from opening against the Queensland Bulls at the Gabba tomorrow.

Cox, who played only one day of a trial match at the Tigers' camp in Maroochydore this week, was a bit sheepish about the injury, but stressed he would line up in the Tigers' opening ING Cup game against the Bulls, in a game which will be televised nationally.

``I fell on it and it started to swell up a bit . . . I did it jumping over to the back seat of a Tarago. I was in a hurry and late for training,'' Cox said. ``I've had some physio this week. I won't be 110 p.c., but I'll be 100 p.c. or pretty close to that.''

Cox, who has recovered from a broken thumb, injured while playing for English county Somerset mid-year, was confident the work the Tigers had done in the pre-season would be evident tomorrow.

He said the Tigers would be trying to rectify their poor one-day record and traditionally dismal starts to the Pura and ING cup seasons. ``We've played a lot more cricket now than we ever have before in a pre-season,'' Cox said.

``Everyone is good, fit and healthy, we've really enjoyed the sunshine up here this week and we're looking forward to Sunday.

``I think people will see some subtle differences in our game and `Freddy' (new Tigers coach Brian McFadyen) has spoken a lot about rewarding risk-taking rather than punishing it. We will be taking a very positive approach to our game.''

Despite leading Tasmania in the run tally again at Pura Cup level last season, Cox does not rate 2001-02 as one of his better seasons.

``I was very disappointed and I want to make an impact this season,'' he said. The Bulls will go into the game with quality spinner Nathan Hauritz, but without Andrew Bichel or Matthew Hayden, while Tigers skipper Ricky Ponting is also being rested.

Tomorrow's teams - Queensland Bulls: Jimmy Maher (c), Martin Love, Lee Carseldine, Andrew Symonds, Clinton Perren, Brendan Nash, James Hopes, Wade Seccombe, Ashley Noffke, Michael Kasprowicz, Nathan Hauritz, Scott Brant (all 12 to play).

Tasmanian Tigers: Jamie Cox (c), Michael DiVenuto, Michael Dighton, Graeme Cunningham, Shane Watson, Daniel Marsh, George Bailey, Sean Clingeleffer, Damien Wright, Shannon Tubb, Gerard Denton, Adam Griffith, Xavier Doherty (one to be omitted).

THE 321-Go is once again following the lead of its big brother, the Skilled Burnie Ten - entry numbers are booming.

Already 890 entries have been received for tomorrow's event with several hundred children expected to enter on the day, if the weather suits, taking the final number well above 1000 and in turn eclipsing the old record.

Once again, it's a case for event organiser Marion Taylor to order more medallions and prizes.

``We've had an extraordinary response from the kids. The numbers in the under 10 boys are the biggest with around 170 boys entered,'' Taylor said. ``That's a big number for a kids race and you know what kids are like at the start of a race - they go flat out.

``The weather will make a big difference to the final number, but it's looking like we'll break the record easily.''

According to Athletics Australia figures, the 321-Go holds a special place in children's running events in the nation. Taylor said there wasn't another age-group running event in Australia with so many children participating.

``The main attraction for the kids is that fact that it's enjoyable. It's all about fun and whatever happens is a bonus. They get a medallion and a backpack just for competing and the kids really go for that and so do the parents,'' Taylor said.

The 321-Go is divided into three categories, with under 8 competitors tackling a one-kilometre course and under 10 athletes competing over two kilometres, while the heavyweight race - the under 13s - covers a distance of three kilometres.

The race will be held at Burnie's West Park Oval on Sunday, starting at 11 a.m.

AN OVERSEAS party interested in buying the Quoiba plant of failed North-West dairy company Total Quality Milk has moved back into the shadows.

TQM liquidators are now calling for expressions of interest as they try to off-load the asset and get a clear picture of how much money is left to divvy up between the company's 126 creditors.

TQM liquidator Paul Cook yesterday said an overseas buyer who had toured the plant with an eye to purchasing it as a going concern failed to make a suitable offer.

``The overseas party is still in the background but we will up the ante and put the property out into the greater arena and see what we can get,'' Mr Cook said. The sale of the factory underpins any payment to creditors.

Deloraine-based Total Quality Milk bought the plant for $550,00 from National Foods in June last year and the National Australia Bank still holds a $300,000 mortgage over the property.

Webster will handle the formal tendering process and advertisements are expected to be placed in newspapers within the next two weeks. National Foods still has a lease over part of the plant.

TQM was established in 1997 and its arrival on the dairy scene injected some much-needed competition into the sector but sale and supply problems saw it become insolvent and stop trading at the end of July. It collapsed under debts of about $6.1m.

Creditors include about 40 North-West dairy farmers, suppliers and contractors, some of whom are owed up to $400,000, and in September they voted to wind up the company and sell off assets.

The company's five full-time and 12 casual employees and the NAB are first in line for payment.

BURNIE'S night of nights is set to be a fitting culmination to this year's month-long festival of events. Celebrating the settlement of Emu Bay 175 years ago, tonight's Big Burnie Birthday Bash will be an evening of food, music and entertainment in the Burnie Park.

But unbeknown to the Burnie City Council in its preparation for the event, it is more than just the settlement that will be celebrating a significant birthday, the Burnie Park itself will be 75 years old this year.

The then Emu Bay Council purchased the land that became the Burnie Park in November 1927.

A group of eager performers from Youth Making Changes Around Burnie, Reflexions Dance Studio and the Samurai Jujitsu Association gathered at the Arthur Support School on Thursday night to rehearse their performance under the cover of darkness.

The group ran through choreography learnt over the last two weeks and having a first run-through with the fire sticks which will feature in the 40-minute performance, Rhythm of the Sea

. Almost 200 students from Havenview, Leighlands and Burnie primary schools will take part in the performance, which will include large puppets, fire drawings and lanterns.

Put together under the guidance of Melbourne-based RedBellyBlack Theatre, the performance is directed by renowned Australian art director Margie Mackay and will begin at 8 p.m.

Entertainment starts in the park from 6.30 p.m., featuring the Burnie brass and pipe bands, junk percussion group Refuse, the Deloraine Big Band and Hobart band The Robinson's, while a three-metre long birthday cake will be shared between all, compliments of the Burnie City Council.

Other refreshments, and a licensed area, will be available.

Burnie City Council marketing and events manager Jenny Cox said preparations had been full on, but everything was organised for the celebration.

This weekend sees the end of the Burnie Shines in October festivities, with the 321-Go races to be held at West Park Oval, Combo Fiasco at Wellers Inn, the Burnie Rail Market Train and Wivenhoe Cemetery Tours all tomorrow.

FURTHER road safety projects along the North-West Coast were announced yesterday as part of the Federal Government's Road Black Spot Program.

Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck said the Federal Government would spend more than $200,000 on nine projects in the North-West as part of $1.21m allocated Statewide on 28 projects.

The projects include installing skid-resistant pavement and central alignment markers along a length of Sisters Beach Rd, Sisters Beach, and installing signing and delineation and treatment of roadside hazards along a length of Stowport Rd, Wivenhoe.

The approved funding includes $5000 for Sisters Beach Rd and $60,000 on Stowport Rd. A total of $40,000 has also been approved for work at the Middle Rd and Stony Rise Rd junction in Devonport.

Other projects include:
$20,000 for the installation of non-skid surfacing, improving signage and delineation on Brickport Rd, Burnie;
$8300 for the extension of the guardrail and terminal treatment in Upper Natone Rd, Burnie;
$9000 for the extension of the guardrail and terminal treatment on West Ridgley Rd, Burnie;
$15,000 to improve sight lines by extending the kerb in Stewart and Fenton Sts, Devonport;
$40,000 for a traffic management scheme on Moriarty Rd, Latrobe, and
$5000 for the installation of speed bumps on the existing pedestrian crossing in Jackson and Goldie Sts, Wynyard.

A STUDY into North-West swimming habits has doused a proposal to construct a major regional aquatic centre.

The $15,000 Simply Great Leisure Study was funded by five North-West councils and took five months to complete.

Announcing the findings yesterday, consultant Michael King said the construction of one big regional complex would be economically risky and could create a political minefield.

The study was commissioned by the Cradle Coast Recreation Advisory Group and Cradle Coast Authority chief executive officer Roger Jaensch said it was not a blueprint for investment.

Mr King acknowledged all aquatic facilities lost money over time but upgrading or replacing the Devonport and Burnie pools would soak up all potential pool users the region had to offer.

A survey of more than 1100 residents, 52 schools and 15 clubs showed indoor centres with a variety of pools and other attractions would be needed to get more than half of the region's 87,000 people into the water.

Over the past 12 months just 35 p.c. of the population used any of the region's 25 commercial facilities and 70 p.c. of them were under 20 years old.

But the survey showed another 20 p.c. of the population could become regular users if a new breed of aquatic centre was built in the two North- West cities. It would also need to cater for the 40-plus group and health-related water activities.

More than half of the people who took the plunge last year did it for fun and recreation and Mr King said facilities needed to be big enough to encourage other related businesses to move in.

Eighteen p.c. of the people surveyed said they would become regular swimmers if indoor facilities were available.

In winter the Ulverstone indoor pool draws people from Burnie and Devonport. The Devonport pool attracts the most people and Mr King said a redeveloped centre in Devonport would continue to attract the most visitors.

``Burnie would need to take into account the high existing use of Healthglo (Fitness and Leisure) which is also looking at expanding its facilities,'' Mr King said.

The closure of a private swimming pool at East Devonport would also send more people to an expanded indoor facility in the city.

``Constructing a regional aquatic complex would be a risky process. There is too little movement between the two areas for pool usage,'' Mr King said.

SOME of the young rising stars of Australian triathlon put on a show despite windy conditions in the Sportspower Ulverstone Just Tri It Triathlon on Saturday.

North Motton's Ryan Willmot took out the open men's title in superb fashion, but Ulverstone's Amelia Cox, who won the women's event and finished third overall, was equally impressive.

It was a great hit-out for Cox, who will make her debut in the Australian junior women's professional circuit in the prestigious Noosa Triathlon next Sunday. A field of 82 across a number of categories competed in the 300-metre swim, 14 km bike ride and 3 km run.

Not surprisingly, Ulverstone's former national junior surf swim champion, John McIvor, was the first out of the water in the swim leg, closely followed by Cox. The pair held the lead in the bike leg till Willmot caught up and took over the race, eventually finishing in a slick time of 38 minutes and 34 seconds. McIvor finished second in a time of 41.19 and Devonport's Craig Doherty finished third in the men's open section with a time of 43.07.

Cox finished in a time of 42.03, but the performances of Devonport's Gema Van der Velde, who finished in 43.15, and Australian age group representative Staci McGregor, who came in third, were also commendable.

Tasmanian triathletes will now focus on the first race of the St Luke's-Southern Cross Grand Prix Series at Low Head on November 9. Junior triathletes can look forward to the Telstra CountryWide Triathlon Tasmania Trystars Junior Series at the Ulverstone pool on November 17.

PENGUIN cleared another hurdle when it defeated Devonport by two shots in NWTBA Div. 1 pennant on Saturday. Now in seventh position, Devonport has this year lost the services of skips Wayne Marshall, to Caloundra, and Tony Howell, to Railton.

The Burnie Tigers, playing at home, were flushed with success - and rightly so - when they went to tea one down against Burnie, 45-46. However, after the stoppage Burnie's big guns opened up, the team winning 124-75.

Meanwhile, East Devonport recaptured the superb form it displayed against Burnie a fortnight ago and gave South Burnie a lesson on all rinks to win 108-79, while Ulverstone stepped up to third place with an 11-shot win over Latrobe, 100-89.

At Devonport, top side Penguin showed the value of experience in a team. Wayne Willcox returned to play No. 2 for Robin Hicks. Prior to round three, Hicks had lost both his games. It's official now that Hicks won by 25 shots against East Devonport and at Devonport on Saturday, 30-21 with Tim Douce.

Credit must also be given to Robin Hicks (c), Luke Richardson (three) and Chris Bannon (lead). Adam White (+5) was just enough for Penguin to offset Devonport's Darby Ryan, 10-up, and Hec Douce, two-up.

Ulverstone and Penguin have a stranglehold on the NWTBA's Open Fours with both clubs having two representatives each in the semi-finals. Ulverstone's winning skips were Kevin Redshaw and Gene Ayton, while Penguin's winners were Ricky Richardson and Jack Conway.

The sectional play at Latrobe yesterday saw the demise of titleholder Tim Douce, out after game two of the three-game sectional play. Douce just missed out against Burnie's Jason Morrisby, 9-11, but the worst result possible for Douce was his draw with Ulverstone's Gene Ayton in game two. Ayton and Morrisby played each other in game three for the section. Ayton received a good lead from Rick Anderson and with Rodney Horton and Andrew Ashlin in top gear, Morrisby was looking down the barrel at 6-21.

No-one bowled better than Penguin's Ricky Richardson, Wayne Manson, Gavin Smith and Luke Richardson. Three wins plus 41 shots made Richardson the best qualifier. Ulverstone's Kim Redshaw (c), Leon Webb, Matthew Brown and Matthew Clarke won well enough in their first two games that eliminated the third game having to be played.

Jack Conway, Robin Hicks, Wayne Willcox and Chris Bannon were the second team to qualify for Penguin. Conway won the section when he defeated Gerry Butler, of Burnie, comfortably in game two.

LATROBE has sent an early signal it may be a force to be reckoned with in the 2002-03 The Advocate NWTCA season. Guided by a fine knock of 128 by coach David Squibb, Latrobe opened the season with a strong first-round victory over Ulverstone at River Park.

Squibb was quietly content with the victory in Saturday's one-day match, noting it had been a big turnaround for the club from last season. ``Particularly when you consider last year we contained Ulverstone to 200 or so and we were bowled out for 50-odd,'' Squibb said. ``We've done a lot of work in the pre-season and I think we had a lot of potential last year, but it probably comes down to the fact the guys believe this year they can be a genuine threat in this competition.''

Ulverstone won the toss and put Latrobe in to bat. Squibb plundered seven fours and four sixes in his knock of 128 in 171 minutes at the crease. Squibb, who put together an opening stand of 135 with Rhys Bonney, was dropped on 45 and was caught just over the boundary rope when hitting a six on 86, fittingly brought up his 100 with another six.

Latrobe made 4-215 off its 49 overs and Ulverstone was travelling nicely with the experienced Garry Crawford and youngster Sam Perko putting together an 80-run partnership before Perko was trapped lbw on 39. Ulverstone then collapsed from 2-86 to 4-87 and never fully recovered, with James Wescombe taking 2-8 and Andrew Garwood chipping in with 2-19.

Wynyard and its star all-rounder, Gregg Sharman, again showed they would be a force to be reckoned with this season with a strong victory against Sheffield at Wynyard. Wynyard was sent in to bat and was not overly convincing at 5-94, before Sharman took to the Sheffield bowlers and remained unbeaten on 63, including two fours and two sixes. Wynyard finished at 9-213.

Wynyard's awesome bowling attack then took Sheffield apart - Sharman's day out continuing when he took the wicket of Matthew King with his first delivery. Dion Smith was the best of the bowlers with 3-29 as a young Sheffield side slumped to be all out for 82.

A young Burnie-Yeoman side also scored an impressive victory in the grand final replay against Devonport, although the game was moved to Les Clark Oval. Burnie-Yeoman went in to bat but was all out for 128 with the highlight being young skipper Jeremy Leatherbarrow's 27.

Devonport looked more than capable of making the target with openers Chris Dell and John Sales cruising to 32, but the Emus kept the pressure on in the field and Devonport cracked, most notably with three run outs late in the innings. It was a fantastic day for Leatherbarrow, who took 3-17, while his assistant, Kade Munday, took 2-18 and Vinnie Kay was welcomed back to the club with 2-18.

LOOK out Burnie Ten, your little brother is hot on your heels. While the Burnie Ten experienced record entries of more than 2500 this year, its offshoot, the B&E 321-Go at West Park yesterday also shattered its record with 1142 taking part in the event in sunny, but breezy conditions.

The 321-Go was established three years ago as a safe alternative to children competing in the Burnie Ten, offering children aged between five and 13 the chance to participate in a running event in a top Coastal arena over responsible distances.

Race director Marion Taylor said yesterday it was amazing how big the event had grown. ``We've had 200 more entries than last year and that figure (1142) is nearly double what we had in the first year,'' Taylor said.

``It was certainly a good decision to separate the girls and the boys' races this year or it would have been much harder to handle. ``A couple of officials remarked they were close to tears looking at all the kids line-up for the start - we'll just keep encouraging kids to participate and keep promoting the event.''

The event encourages participation with all entrants earning a medallion and a backpack, as well as doubling as an Active Australia event this year.

``We'll look at keeping it aligned with Active Australia - I think there were plenty of parents who got active today chasing their kids,'' Taylor said.

There were some notable performances on the day and none more impressive than Sam Lawrence's run in the under 13 girls' 3 km event. Lawrence's run this year came on the back of finishing second overall in the combined boys and girls' event last year, the Marist student winning in a time of 11 minutes and 49.94 seconds.

Norwood's Oscar Phillips also continued his winning tradition, his win in the under 13 boys' section was his third win in the three years of the 321-Go.

``We will be seeing names like Sam Lawrence and Oscar Phillips for a long time to come in Tasmanian athletics,'' Taylor said.

THE family of Bali bombing victim Tim Hawkins has received a degree of closure, with news that his body has been formally identified and will return home.

The 28-year-old Hobart man's body was expected to be back in Australia yesterday afternoon, with plans to lay him to rest by the end of the week. Still coming to grips with the tragedy, the family was upset with premature and unofficial news of Tim's identification from a national newspaper journalist.

Tim's uncle, Murray Hawkins, said that his brother, Stephen sr, had been ``devastated'' by the news. ``At that stage they sort of knew that there was no hope, but in the back of your mind there is always a 1 p.c. chance, and you always grasp at straws,'' Mr Hawkins said. ``Apparently the journalist seemed pleased to tell them that Tim had been identified. I suppose he was thinking that he was helping them out, but having a total stranger ring out of the blue, when they had already been told they would be informed by police coming to the door, just devastated my brother.''

It wasn't till about two hours later that police officers arrived at the family's Lindisfarne home at 8.15 p.m. on Friday with the official confirmation of Tim's identification.

``I suppose we are lucky in a way, because we were hoping this wasn't going to drag on for six to eight weeks,'' Mr Hawkins said.

Mr Hawkins said he understood the funeral would be held by the end of this week. Tim Hawkins was in the Sari Club with two friends when the bombs exploded. His friends, Stuart Anstee and Ben Davis, escaped with injuries.

MORE THAN 1100 children converged on Burnie's West Park Oval yesterday for the B&E 321-Go running event.

The entry tally of 1142 was 200 more than last year. The event was established three years ago as a safe alternative to children competing in the Burnie Ten, offering children aged between five and 13 the chance to participate in a running event in a top Coastal arena over a distance appropriate for their age.

Race director Marion Taylor said yesterday it was amazing how big the event had grown. Taylor said entries were nearly double those of the first year.

A MOVE by Labor rank and file members to end clearfelling in some old-growth forest areas by January has been toned down after wrangling at the ALP State Conference in Launceston.

Several motions on forestry reform were on the agenda for debate but were replaced yesterday with an amended motion to install a special committee to monitor the transition from clearfell ing of old-growth forests to plantation-based forestry.

However, despite the majority of delegates supporting the motion it appears unlikely to ease the conflict within the party over the issue. Labor MHR Duncan Kerr, a member of the West Hobart branch which proposed a motion pushing for clearfelling to be stopped in high conservation areas by January, was confident the committee process would have practical outcomes.

Mr Kerr claimed the conference had essentially agreed to a review of forestry practices. ``This was not precisely my original starting point but then again there are so many different starting points in this debate,'' Mr Kerr said. ``For the first time we will have an open process where people can put their cards on the table to deal genuinely with the legitimate and very proper concerns that people have.

``This is designed to enable key participants to sit down and work out how to deal with this issue which has caused division in our ranks,'' Mr Kerr said. ``It (the amended motion) got through because people accept it requires a certain level of good faith.''

But any suggestion of a review was rejected by the State Government. Deputy Premier Paul Lennon was adamant the Government would not forego anymore Tasmanian jobs.

``What annoys me most about this debate is the inability of people who come from the environmental side of the debate to recognise the thousands of jobs that have been lost in this State over the past 20 years because of the transition in the forestry industry,'' Mr Lennon said. ``For me enough jobs have been lost and no more will be sacrificed.''

Unions got behind the amended motion declaring it the ``Labor way forward'' for the forestry industry and the best avenue to protect regional jobs and livelihood. The only murmurs of discontent came from members of the Lilydale branch which had originally called for an independent body to prosecute breaches of the Forest Practices Act and for an end to logging in forest coupes within crucial water supply catchments.

The forestry amendment followed a warning from Premier Jim Bacon to delegates on Saturday that the Government would not back down on the issue of old-growth logging.

``This Government will not be jettisoning jobs, we will not be going to Tasmanians and saying sorry, you are out of work because some people want us to pursue an objective which is not even defined,'' Mr Bacon said.

Federal Opposition Leader Simon Crean added his voice to the forestry debate maintaining the Regional Forest Agreement was the appropriate mechanism for the review and maintaining he expected everyone, including Mr Kerr, to follow the same discipline.

BURNIE'S biggest birthday party, held at Burnie Park on Saturday night as part of the Burnie Shines festival, was a spectacular evening of music and entertainment.

Fittingly there was a birthday cake - three by 1 1/2 metres - made from 365 eggs and 20 kg of flour. More than 3000 people attended the Burnie City Council-organised event, which celebrated the settlement of Burnie 175 years ago.

Burnie City Council marketing and events manager Jenny Cox said the aim of the night was to celebrate with a party everyone could attend. The highlight of the evening was the spectacular 40-minute fire and percussion performance Rhythm of the Sea, which was directed and choreographed by Victorian director Margie Mackay.

It involved more than 300 primary school pupils who lit up Burnie Park with a lantern parade and incorporated elements of the local environment, including a three-metre long platypus, burrowing crayfish and penguin.

``The event was a great opportunity for community groups to play a part,'' Ms Mackay said.

Other entertainment included bands, vocal group Belle A Femme, junk percussion group Refuse, the Deloraine Big Band and Hobart band The Robinsons. The end of the night saw the birthday cake cut and distributed to all guests.

The Burnie Shines festival was rounded off in style last night, with a capacity audience taking in the witty wisecracks, powerful singing voices and breathtaking harmonies of Combo Fiasco.

Staged at Wellers Inn, the Melbourne-based cabaret trio wowed audiences, brought to the city as part of the festival by Russell Jarvis' Stage Door Promotions. The one-off dinner and show featured a combination of songs and cabaret acts, ranging from jazz tunes and a cappella, to show songs and send-ups.

Mr Jarvis said he had booked the act to be part of the festival after hearing about its performance and was pleased a crowd of about 125 people had taken up the opportunity to see the show.

ROBBINS Is., off the far North-West, looks set to become the home of up to 100 wind turbines in what appears to be another giant leap forward for Tasmania's push into the renewable energy market.

Australian company Pacific Hydro has signed a commercial agreement with land owners on Robbins Is. to build a large-scale wind farm which would pump 100 megawatts of electricity into the Tasmanian grid. The proposed project will dwarf Hydro Tasmania's first two stages at the Woolnorth wind farm, the first of which was opened earlier this month.

With the approval of the Circular Head Council, Pacific Hydro will install a 70-metre wind-monitoring tower in the coming months before making a final decision. But it is understood that the company and the land owners on the island are extremely positive.

Robbins Is. land owners, brothers John and Keith Hammond, who are successful cattle farmers in Circular Head, have undertaken numerous social, environmental and economic studies on the island over the past three years. Pacific Hydro's wind power general manager, David Hastings, visited the island earlier this week and is adamant the project will go ahead.

``Potentially the project will be the same kind of scale as the Woolnorth wind farm and will generate 100 megawatts plus,'' Mr Hastings said. ``We don't know the capacity of each tower because technology changes very quickly, but we'll be looking for anywhere between 50 to 100 towers. We'll probably develop the project in stages similar to Woolnorth.

``We're only just embarking on the concept, we won't be submitting our planning application till mid-2003. We could fall down before we get to the start line - but not likely, the Hammonds have done their homework correctly.''

While in the State, Mr Hastings also held introductory talks with Transend and the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment. Pacific Hydro is a successful renewable energy company based in Victoria, and after spending many years developing hydro power projects, is beginning to rapidly expand its wind-power capabilities.

The company already has a 18.2-megawatt wind farm operating at Codrington in Western Victoria, and is about to start construction on a wind farm in Central Victoria, pumping a further 52.5 megawatts into the grid. For those projects, components from Danish companies Vestas International and NEG Micon were used to construct the turbines. With Vestas International intent on building a nacelle manufacturing plant at Wynyard and possibly a blade factory as well, John Hammond said a link-up with the Danish company was a strong possibility.

``At this stage we really don't know (who will provide the components). We're 18 months away from making those decisions. But we are well aware of what Vestas is planning to set up in the State and if it works out that we purchase Vestas components, then that is fantastic,'' he said.

Mr Hastings said work would need to be done on transporting the electricity out of the region. ``There is plenty of wind down there for both of us (Hydro Tasmania and Pacific Hydro). It throws up a few issues for the electricity infrastructure because we both have to get to Smithton,'' he said. ``Transend will have to consider how this large amount of electricity gets pumped into the Tasmanian system.''

Single mother Jackie Lambie needs to sauna and swim almost every day to stay mobile. She had been a member at Templar's Squash and Fitness Centre for three years where she used the pool and sauna at least five days a week.

``I'll be back in hospital within a fortnight if I don't sort something out,'' Miss Lambie said. ``I don't have any other options.''

Unable to work due to her injury, Miss Lambie said aside from the health implications of the closure of the health centre, finding a new pool and sauna she can use may prove too costly given her membership cost about $40 a month.

``The only other sauna in Devonport is at the recreation centre which costs $4.40 per session. If I used that five days a week then that's just over $20 a week. ``Then I have to find a private pool I can swim in which will probably cost about another $4 per hour.''

Miss Lambie said yesterday she planned to add her name to a waiting list to use the hydrotherapy pool at Latrobe but expressed concerns over how her back would cope with the travelling.

``The longer I sit in a car the worse it gets.''

With the Cradle Coast Authority investigating the type of indoor pool required on the Coast, Miss Lambie said the creation of a public facility in the area would be a huge benefit to people in similar predicaments.

``I can't be the only one in this situation in the Devonport city,'' she said.

Braddon Labor MHA Brenton Best said yesterday he was continuing investigations into the situation at Templar's in relation to the entitlements of employees and clients at the centre.

``I'm particularly interested in hearing from clients who have annual or six-month memberships, particularly if they were recently purchased,'' Mr Best said. ``I would like to see them get a pro-rata refund.''

In some good news on the issue, former Templar's fitness instructor Trish Nancarrow has found a replacement venue for aqua-aerobic classes. The classes will be held at a private pool in Devonport on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Anyone wanting to attend the classes should contact Mr Best's office and leave contact details for Mrs Nancarrow.

Following the demise of Templar's, the Reece High School Parents and Friends' Association would like to contact anyone who acquired a three-month gym membership at Templar's at the charity auction last weekend. Anyone with a gym membership from Saturday night's function is asked to call the school and leave their contact details.

CONFLICT is brewing for the ALP State conference tomorrow with three anti-forestry motions on the table. One motion calls on the Government to implement the Tasmania Together benchmarks and end clear-felling in high-conservation areas by January 1 and all clear-felling by 2010.

However, Premier Jim Bacon has already rejected the time-frame as unrealistic and asked the Tasmania Together Progress Board to review the clear-felling benchmarks.

``The Government will not agree to this bench mark because it would place at risk the jobs of many Tasmanian workers,'' Mr Bacon said in September.

Last month Tasmania Together Progress Board chairman Jim McAlpine said he could not rule out the January 1 deadline. Should the motion be carried it will put further pressure on the State Government as the January 1, 2003, deadline looms. The other two motions call for tighter controls on forest management by introducing a forest ombudsman to hear complaints and an independent body to replace the Forest Practices Board.

``The Forest Practices Board . . . . is not preventing breaches of the Forest Practices Act'' and should be replaced with ``a genuinely independent body which has the power and the will to prosecute any breaches,'' the motion states.

Timber Communities Australia chairman Barry Chipman said timber workers would be worried by the motions tabled by the Lilydale, West Tamar and West Hobart-New Town branches.

``Timber folk are always worried when these things come up because it eats away at (industry) confidence.''

He said he knew of many ALP branches that were supportive of the Regional Forest Agreement. ``The Regional Forest Agreement process was initiated by an ALP Federal Government and we hope commonsense prevails,'' Mr Chipman said.

He said industry bodies would meet with the Tasmania Together board on Monday and argue for the Regional Forest Agreement to be supported and the clear-felling benchmarks revised.

A RADICAL plan to change the North West Basketball Union's winter roster to a summer format that would begin in February, received a 5-3 vote at a special meeting of club delegates and the NWBU board in Penguin last night.

The meeting had been called after some clubs had indicated a change was needed to boost the sport's profile, which in some quarters had slipped. The clubs had been divided four-apiece on the issue but Smithton, citing falling attendances, competition from other sports and financial concerns, crossed the floor ensuring the move to the summer format.

The meeting decided that a sub-committee be formed which will consist of all clubs, the referees, the ABA men's team and junior commission. It would meet again in November to consider a draft roster with a mid-February start.

``I fully support the decision taken by the majority of the clubs who presented considered and informed comment,'' NWBU president Lou Cox said. ``All clubs voiced their thoughts on when the new roster should start. The referees have some problems with a January start but that will be discussed further.''

The new roster would replace the old one, which has run unchanged since 1974 with the exception of one season in the 1980s when the roster began in July and ran till November. In a prepared statement read by Cox, the important issue of imports was also raised and will be discussed fully at the November meeting.

``The import-drive-in rule was raised and will be discussed by the sub-committee as to whether it will remain as one - or revert back to two per club,'' Cox said. ``It was also raised that measures for review be part of the new format and that each club will provide statistics regarding crowd numbers, player numbers, standard comparisons and financial data relevant to the review.

``We are confident we are on the brink of increased interest in the sport and Basketball Australia, Basketball Tasmania and the regional body all are working closely together in the area of participation and community involvement such as Aussie Hoops and the Aurora programs that are currently being implemented in the schools.''

PARKING issues may have stalled the multi-million dollar refurbishment of the Gateway Motor Inn in Devonport. At the Monday night meeting of the Devonport City Council the development of the hotel in Fenton St was approved but owner and developer Peter Williams must provide an additional 144 car parking spaces.

The Gateway expansion, that has been divided into four separate stages, only provides for an extra 17 spaces in the last stage of the development which is expected to get underway within five years. The establishment currently provides 38 spaces.

Mayor Mary Binks said the council had to abide by its planning scheme. ``We looked at all sorts of ways to get around this and anything that we could do to help the developer out but the project just needs more spaces,'' Ald. Binks said. ``We definitely want the project to go ahead and Mr Williams may chose to take the decision to the Resource Planning and Appeals Tribunal otherwise we (Mr Williams and the council) might reach another agreement that might still allow this to go ahead.''

The Gateway Inn, built in the 1970s, is currently a four-star hotel catering to business clientele, conferences and tourism with the expansion aimed at preventing the loss of customers to other cities and regions.

The first stage consists of the removal of the building's roof, and an additional floor installed which, according to the planning application, could be ready for occupation by Christmas time this year. Other stages involve the addition of extra rooms, function areas and conference facilities. The final stage of the proposed development includes a 65-room tower in Best St, which would make the building a defining part of Devonport's skyline.

During the planning application stage only one objection was received. In a letter to council Mr Williams said parking was considered adequate as many of the guests arrived by coach in tours and other business guests travelled as guests to their host.

``Our biggest need comes after hours when CBD streets are empty. During the day there is little requirement and demand for on-site parking is low due to little accommodation demands,'' he said. ``Large functions are almost always in the evening when CBD streets are empty.''

Mr Williams said within a distance of 50 metre there were 428 car spaces. ``These unused parking resources are better utilised thus freeing Gateway reserves to provide better amenities for the city.''

THE rope has been tightened further on the strict import ruling in the North-West Basketball Union, making it almost impossible for individual clubs to recruit offshore.

According to Basketball Tasmania information, individual clubs will no longer be able to lease their imported players to other clubs. Leasing import players has been common place in Coastal basketball circles and is financially the only way an import can be acquired.

This year, the Latrobe Basketball Club brought out Robert White and leased him to the North-West Brewers, while in recent years Burnie acquired the services of Willie Thomas and leased him to the Coastal SEABL side. That option will no longer exist for clubs due to an immigration rule change. NWBU president Lou Cox said the situation could rob the Coastal competition of all imported players.

``According to the information we've got from Basketball Tasmania and immigration, the new rule will be that imports can only play with the one club that brings them out,'' Cox said. ``I certainly don't agree with it and especially in the Brewers' case, I can't see how clubs can afford to bring them out on their own. ``As soon as you start talking imports, you're talking $20,000 to $25,000 to get them out here and settled - that will be very difficult for individual clubs to achieve.''

Cox said the quality and standard of the NWBU competition would obviously suffer with the further decline of imports. ``When you go from having 15 to 16 Americans in the NWBU back to one or two the standard . . . of the games will decrease. The union can't be held responsible for that,'' he said.

It is highly unlikely White will return for the 2003 season after heading back to the US in the off-season. That leaves the North-West SEABL club without a second import, with Joe Downs the only other American vying for a position.

HISTORY says they will sink, but a new coach and renewed enthusiasm may see the Tasmanian Tigers swim against Queensland in their opening ING Cup one-day cricket contest this weekend.

It's been consistently noted that Tasmania's performances in one-day cricket have been far from impressive. It has earned its success in the longer form of the game, the Pura Cup, while occupying the cellar dweller tag in the shortened version. New coach Brian McFadyen's first task is to turn that around and the best way to do that is with a victory on foreign turf against the country's best domestic team.

``We're embarking on the season against one of the benchmark sides of the competition - everyone is pretty motivated by the challenge,'' McFadyen said yesterday. ``Our preparation is going excellent and everyone is keen to get into it.''

The squad has spent the week in Mooloolaba practising and yesterday started a two-day practice game against a Sunshine Coast combined team. The Tigers will head to Brisbane tomorrow in preparation for their ING Cup clash at the Gabba against the Bulls. A 13-man squad was announced yesterday and included Australian one-day player Shaun Watson.

``(Watson) is very handy, his one-day skills have developed very rapidly and we're looking for a big year from him,'' McFadyen said. ``The last two games that have been played at the Gabba sides have scored fairly high, so we're expecting to be once again playing on a magnificent one-day wicket.''

In what is believed to be a first for the ING Cup competition, the Tasmanian Cricket Association has nominated a team leadership group. Jamie Cox will mentor the group, comprising Cox, Michael DiVenuto, Daniel Marsh and Sean Clingeleffer. Adam Griffith, a tall right-arm medium pace bowler, is the only debutant in the squad.

Tigers squad - George Bailey, Sean Clingeleffer, Jamie Cox, Graeme Cunningham, Gerard Denton, Michael Dighton, Michael DiVenuto, Xavier Doherty, Adam Griffith, Daniel Marsh, Shannon Tubb, Shane Watson, Damien Wright.

NOW he's proved his ability and form, Burnie's John Lakeland will have the eyes of Tasmania's best ski paddlers watching his every move this season.

The 18-year-old doesn't mind - as long as his opponents are watching the back of his head as he paddles into the distance. Lakeland stormed into contention for this weekend's Southern Safari Ski race on the Derwent River after surprising his rivals with a second place in the Somerset Surf Marathon at the weekend.

In that race he pushed Jamie Stubbs, who is rated as the king of ski paddling in the State, all the way to the finish line, warranting much respect from his rivals. Stubbs, who now competes for Carlton Park in the State's South, is one of the reasons Lakeland became serious about ski paddling.

``He and his brother and a group of blokes at Burnie have all helped us come through in the sport,'' Lakeland said. ``They've helped us a lot, and they've been there all along for us.'' ``When I started I was right at the bottom of the ranks watching these guys dominate, now I'm right up there with them.''

He puts his improvement down to a solid winter training regime, where he did nothing but swing those elbows and power his oar through the water time and time again. As well as being a major threat in this weekend's race, Lakeland will be the one to watch when the sprint series begins this summer.

At the national championships earlier this year, he made the semi-final of the under 19 individual ski event and then teamed with clubmate Warwick Lovell to finished fourth in the doubles.

``I just hope to do well in the sprint season and hopefully go up to the Australian championships again and perform - it will be my last year in under 19s,'' he said.

NORTH-West Basketball Union clubs will tonight vote in favour of switching the existing roster to a summer format in a bid to combat the deteriorating state of basketball on the Coast.

The vote to change the roster has been deadlocked at four-four since the summer roster format was proposed, but the Smithton Basketball Club is expected to cross the floor at tonight's meeting and put its hand up for the change.

Basketball is experiencing tough times in Tasmania due to lagging public support and a marked weakening in standard. The troubled times have already claimed one major victim with the Launceston Tigers expected to withdraw from the South-East Australia Basketball League at the end of the month.

At tonight's meeting of club delegates and the NWBU board, it is expected a roster starting in January and including two games a week will be rubber stamped, as will the formation of a sub-committee to address the future of basketball on the Coast. According to Smithton club president James Scott, a change to a summer roster would rescue his club and the competition.

``The way things are happening down here it's so hard to get people to come out to the games in winter. Over the winter there is so much happening in the area and we have to compete with them,'' Scott said. ``We just have to lay our cards on the table, listen to other clubs' points of view and at this stage I think we will cross the floor as such.

``As far as we're concerned we'd like to start in January and only have two rounds (round robin format) instead of three. It should make it a better roster and more financial.''

A motion to discuss the NWBU roster at tonight's meeting was put forward by Ulverstone, Latrobe and Devonport clubs with three roster options to be put forward. But according to NWBU president Lou Cox, no referees will be available for an early start to the season.

``The referees have emailed all associations in the union and said that they will be unable to provide referees for the early start. That will cause some concern,'' Cox said.

Cox has been a strong advocate for the union remaining a winter competition and said a change would not affect supporter numbers. ``I'm yet to be convinced the summer roster will change those figures, because you have to compete with family life, good weather and other sports,'' Cox said.

``I'm worried that if the changes are taken without due cause, certainly one or two clubs could fold pretty quickly and that's certainly something we don't want.''

Ulverstone men's coach Robert Bourke, a prime mover behind the summer roster push, said yesterday every association had recognised the need to change.

``This will be a rescue package for the NWBU,'' he said.

THEY say it is better to give than receive. But for Michelle Targett and Stuart Walker, the two are inextricably linked.

In two weeks, Ms Targett will continue what has become a family tradition and give her 29-year-old cousin the ultimate gift - the gift of life. Mr Walker's mother donated a kidney to her son Scott in a successful transplant last year. Now it is her son Stuart's turn to receive a new kidney and the chance to live a full and healthy life.

On November 6, Ms Targett and her cousin will travel to Victoria to prepare for the major surgery they will undergo at Royal Melbourne Hospital six days later. One of Ms Targett's kidneys will be removed and implanted into Mr Walker. The pair will recover from surgery together in Melbourne.

Ms Targett expects to be home after a week while Mr Walker will have to stay in the city and have daily check-ups over the next month to ensure his body accepts the new organ. If all goes well Mr Walker hopes to go back to work.

All surgery carries some degree of risk but after 18 months of extensive testing, doctors have concluded it is safe for Ms Targett (25) to undergo surgery. Testing has not been easy for the Burnie woman who has a phobia of needles.

``I am not nervous now but will probably get that way once I am in Melbourne,'' Ms Targett said yesterday. ``It will probably feel a bit strange at first. Ninety per cent of people think what I am doing is great but some cannot comprehend how you could have your body cut open, especially as I have two little kids,'' Ms Targett said. ``But it is not something I thought about overnight and you cannot live life by `what ifs?'. ``I feel like I've done my good deed for my life.''

There is always a chance Stuart's body may reject the kidney but the success of his brother's transplant has made him confident things will go well. Mr Walker has Allports Syndrome and has been having dialysis three days a week for the last two years.

``It takes a bit of getting used to and can take up to five hours at a time but I still lead a pretty normal life. I am in the football club and do other things,'' he said.

He also has Guilliane Barre syndrome which has wasted muscle tissue and affected his nerves.

TASMANIA'S greatest untapped resource for economic prosperity is the 250,000 people who have moved to the mainland in the last 10 years, according to leading economist and former North-West Coaster Saul Eslake.

``There are more than 250,000 Tasmanians living on the mainland. That's more than 50 p.c. of the population,'' Mr Eslake said. ``Its an enormous untapped resource of influence.''

Mr Eslake, who was in Hobart yesterday to address a business lunch, said Tasmania needed to attract the ``creative class of innovative thinkers back to the State''. ``The so-called creative classes are attracted by lifestyle, recreation, a sense of community and an open and welcoming environment. ``Potentially Tasmania can offer that.''

He said the State's increasing acceptance of gay people, illustrated by the gay law reforms in 1998, was a positive sign for attracting creative people.

``Tolerance of gay people is significant in that (it indicates) people who are a bit different are welcome.''

Mr Eslake, who grew up at Marrawah, said the Vestas nacelle factory at Wynyard was the first new major industrial development since he left the Coast 30 years ago. He said along with Basslink getting the go-ahead and gas reticulation, the Vestas investment was a positive sign for employment and industry growth on the Coast.

AN ULVERSTONE family are thanking their lucky stars this week after the bravery and quick thinking of a six-year-old saved their toddler from drowning.

Mark and Nardia David said they owed the life of their two-year-old son, Harry, to Jeb Mulholland the son of family friend Debbie Garrett. Ms Garrett and Mrs David were working on the David family's computer this week while their boys played together.

According to Ms Garrett and Mrs David, Harry and Jeb were outside when Harry climbed the fence surrounding the Davids' pool and fell over the other side. Harry then entered the pool, slipped and began to drown.

The two women heard Jeb yell ``Nardia, Harry's in the pool,'' and rushed outside. Mrs David said she was petrified and tried to remember how to do CPR. However, Jeb had climbed the fence and scruffed Harry by the jumper. Jeb kept Harry's head out of the water till Mrs David lifted him out. Harry was unharmed by the incident.

Mr David said if Jeb had run around to the gate or gone inside to get Harry's mother, the situation could have been tragically different. Ms Garrett said Jeb did not know how to swim and she was very proud of his actions.

The fence around the Davids' pool had been in the process of being replaced, Mr David said. Mr David had added chicken wire to raise the height of the fence, and said a new replacement fence was near completion.

Jeb appears oblivious to becoming a hero. ``I think it's dawned on him he knows he did the right thing,'' Mr David said.

WHILE the Wynyard Cricket Club bemoaned the wet weather that cancelled last weekend's opening NWTCA round, its first opponent, Sheffield, didn't.

The Wynyard Blues had been anticipating their season-opener after Jamie Cox, the man many consider to be the best batsman not to play for Australia, had made himself available to play in the side before heading interstate with other cricket commitments. However, persistent rain meant A grade action was called off and Cox could not play.

The opening round matches were changed from two-day matches to one-dayers, to be played tomorrow. ``While it would have been fantastic for the younger kids to play against Jamie, it is better for Sheffield to play Wynyard without him,'' coach Tim Irvine said. ``He is one of the best bats in Australia and would have made our job a lot harder than it will be anyway.''

Now able to use 12 players instead of 11, Wynyard has replaced Cox with Adrian Hall and former left-arm quick Damian Butler. Sheffield has also altered its side due to injury and the shortened game.

``Craig Boutcher has a leg strain and we have brought in all-rounders Ross Tompkins, Michael Jacobs and former Forth player Robbie Glover,'' Irvine said. ``We need to have a team that gets on with it now that we are playing a one-dayer."

In other games, Ulverstone will be at home to Latrobe at River Park with former Riana medium-pacer Craig Challis and 15-year-old Sam Whish-Wilson making their debuts. Latrobe has named former Sheffield player Jamie Skirving, who adds extra strength to its young batting line-up.

In the grand final replay, the Devonport Orions will play their match against Burnie-Yeoman at Les Clark Oval due to the dampness of the Devonport Oval. The Emus named a young side with Jason Howard, Adam Yates, Vinnie Kay and Justin Murrell all making their debuts.

BURNIE'S Nic Reid won't have any time to take in the beauty of his surroundings this weekend, even though he'll be riding through some of Victoria's most picturesque bush.

He'll be more worried about staying on two wheels, keeping his nerve down steep and bumpy declines and duelling with Australia's best mountain bike riders. Reid is a relatively new prospect in the off-road sport, but already he's impressed on both a local and State level. Now he's trying his luck in the big league. This weekend, he'll ride a 55 km trail between Mitta Mitta and Mt Beauty in the first round of the Australian Mountain Bike Series.

``It's my first national race,'' he said yesterday. ``I've always done it pretty casually, and I'd just go and have a ride every now and again, then it progressed and I started racing. ``Because I haven't raced at this level before, it will be interesting to see how I go. I expect to get a good time, but I don't know how that will compare against the elite guys.

``There are points awarded so there should be a lot of big names riding.''

Reid, who does most of his training at Fern Glade, in the Dial Ranges, at Ridgley and at Bakers Beach, said the national course suited him. After debuting as a competitive sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, mountain bike racing has increased rapidly in popularity, particularly on a social level.

On the North-West Coast the growth has been minimal, but 23-year-old Reid is hoping more people take to racing rather than just a social ride.

``It's a great sport. It's a huge challenge to have to keep going when you don't feel like you can go anymore,'' he said. ``I'd like to do all the national races and I wouldn't mind going to Europe and doing some races over there because it's huge over there.''

BASKETBALL, football, golf or cricket, young Ulverstone sportsman Sam Whish-Wilson just cannot get enough sport. It seems he's pretty good at it too, having won Tasmania's Elastoplast Youth Award.

The award, which is presented in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Sport, is given to one outstanding sportsperson in each State aged between 12 and 18.

Whish-Wilson (15) is a State representative in junior basketball and cricket, plays golf off a handicap of 20, football with Ulverstone High School, basketball with the Ulverstone Redhoppers and on Saturday will make his A grade debut with Ulverstone's NWTCA team.

``I love all sport and really find it hard to place one above the other,'' he said.

With so many sports to train for and play it's a wonder Whish-Wilson can find the time. ``I train for basketball three times a week, with golf I play about once a week, footy in season three times a week and cricket three times a week as well,'' he said. ``On Saturday I'm playing my first senior game of cricket and I'm pretty nervous, but keen to get out there and into it.''

The Elastoplast award will see Whish-Wilson receive $500 cash and a $300 Elastoplast Sport pack.

``It is great to be recognised and win such an award,'' he said. ``As for my future, I just want to get some runs and a few wickets this weekend, enjoy my golf and basketball and maybe get a senior game of footy with Ulverstone within the next few years.''

THE Devonport City Council has approved amendments to its planning scheme in an effort to protect the municipality's heritage through its culturally significant buildings and areas.

The heritage document will be forwarded to the Resource Planning and Development Commission for final acceptance after public hearings are held. At its meeting on Monday night, 11 heritage areas and more than 300 significant properties were accepted as part of the Devonport and Environs Heritage Study 2001.

The Tasmanian Resource Management and Planning Scheme is underpinned by the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993. The act has nine priority objectives that are to be advanced by the council in regulating the use and development of land within its boundaries.

One such objective is to conserve buildings, areas or other places which are of scientific, aesthetic, architectural or historical interest, or otherwise of special cultural value.

Devonport City Council planner Claire Taylor said the scheme did not have the same binding consequences as being listed with the Tasmanian Heritage Council or the National Trust.

``It is not putting the same onus on property owners, it's just protecting the heritage value we have here,'' Ms Taylor told Monday night's meeting.

Aldermen Kerry Whittle, Grant Goodwin, Rodney Barden and Brian Cole told the meeting they did not agree with some listings. ``Why do we have to force it on people who don't want it? We are not the Third Reich,'' Ald. Goodwin said.

Ald. Kerry Berwick said there was no point in the aldermen blaming the consultant, Paul Davies Pty Ltd, if they were not happy with the list. ``There have been numerous workshops, two meetings and it was put on public display and delaying tactics should not be used again,'' Ald. Berwick said. ``This is the last meeting of this council . . . . and there will be at least three new members on the next council which means we would have to go back and reinvent the wheel.''

Mayor Mark Binks said the process was about protecting the story of Devonport and was a living document that could be amended if necessary.

FORMER Tasmanian apprentice jockey Craig Newitt is expected to get the ride on emerging star Platinum Scissors should the gun Sydney three-year-old get a start in the Melbourne Cup on November 5.

Platinum Scissors put in one of the most eye-catching runs at Caulfield on Saturday, carrying star jockey Jim Cassidy across the line to win the Norman Robinson Stakes (2000 metres) and also jumped to equal favouritism with Helenus for the Victoria Derby at Flemington on November 3.

Cassidy will ride impressive Platinum Scissors in the Derby, but would have no chance of making the 46 kg weight for Platinum Scissors in the Melbourne Cup and trainer Gai Waterhouse spoke to Newitt at Caulfield about the possibility of the ride.

``Gai's quite keen to press on to the Melbourne Cup, but he (Platinum Scissors) would have to win the Derby to escape ballot,'' Newitt said yesterday. ``Gai spoke to me on Saturday and confirmed I'd be the rider if he gets a start. ``He certainly is one of the nicest horses I've ever seen, he's built like a brick wall and I'd say he's still got a bit of growing left to do yet.''

Gai Waterhouse Racing Stables spokesman Steve Brem said yesterday, Newitt had impressed the stable with his ride on Platinum Scissors in the Clemsford Stakes in Randwick last month.

``We were very satisfied with his ride because it was only Platinum Scissors' fourth or fifth start in his life and it ran second to Lohnro,'' Brem said. ``It was the first time Craig had been to Sydney in his life, so it was a very pleasing effort. ``But we won't make a decision on Platinum Scissors running in the Melbourne Cup till after the Derby because that's his big mission and then Gai and the owners will discuss the Cup.''

Newitt's superb spring will continue this week with a ride in the Geelong Cup on Southern Crown, who he guided to a fourth in the Coongy Handicap (2000 metres) on Saturday.

MORE than 1000 young athletes from all around the State are expected to take part in this year's Burnie Ten 3 2 1-Go Kid's Race.

To be held at the West Park Oval in Burnie on Sunday, the third annual kid's race has become one of the State's major running events specifically aimed at primary school children.

``We've already got over 700 entries which is quite amazing,'' race director Marion Taylor said.

Conceived as an alternative for young people who would struggle with the 10 km distance of the blue riband Burnie Ten, the 3 2 1-Go race is held over a range of distances more suitable for young runners.

The under eight section is held over 1 km, the under 10s race over 2 km and the under 13s compete over 3 km - hence the name 3 2 1-Go

. ``We were always worried about seeing the little ones running in the Burnie Ten,'' Taylor said. ``We try and make the distances suit the children's development.''

With the emphasis of the race firmly on participation, all those who take part will receive a medallion and a backpack as mementos of the event. Sports equipment prizes will be won by the schools with the highest pro-rata participation rates.

Entries will be taken on the day. Racing starts at 11 a.m.

The three remaining NTFL coaching positions are close to being filled with two clubs meeting last night and tonight to finalise applications.

The East Devonport Football Club's position is believed to have become a two-way tussle with 2002 leader Grant Williams and level three coach Ian Jones sharing favouritism. The committee met last night and a decision is expected within a few days.

Under Williams' leadership, the Swans struggled early in the year but stormed home beating the Northern Bombers, Launceston and Latrobe in the final rounds to finish just outside the final six.

Playing in the centre or across half-forward, Williams enjoyed a fine personal season booting 64 goals. Jones has a long involvement with the Tassie Mariner program developing juniors and was a highly regarded centreman with Latrobe.

``I want to coach at senior level and believe I have a lot to offer a prospective club,'' he said. ``I have my own ideas and visions and keep abreast of all the modern coaching trends.''

Another chance is Darren Williams who has coached NWFA club Spreyton since 2000 with the 2001 flag a highlight. The left-footer has won the NWFA best and fairest award twice and is keen to test himself in the higher grade. He is a former Devonport, Motton Preston and Sprent midfielder and it is believed he could bring his former Devonport utility brother Dwayne to the Swans if appointed.

Former Penguin coach and Ulverstone premiership forward Brent Plant is close to replacing the retired Max Brown at Ulverstone. Applications for the Robin's top job closed on Sunday and the club's committee will meet to night to discuss the situation further.

``We will look at what we have in the way of applicants and then follow the process,'' a tight-lipped Ulverstone president Ron Ansell said.

NTFL combined squad coach Kent Jackson spoke to the club but declined to apply due to work and family commitments.

``I was interested but I have two children and a business that take up a lot of time,'' he said. ``To coach like I would want to would mean finding another 40 hours and I cannot do that,'' Jackson said.

This season Plant was the North-West coach of the Tassie Mariners and the VFL Devils squads. Deloraine is no closer to naming its new coach to replace Jason Gibson. President Anthony Clayton said the reserves and underage positions only needed to be rubber-stamped, but a senior announcement was still two weeks away.

IN a major coup for judo on the Coast, the Ulverstone Judo Club has been nominated as a national training centre for the sport of judo.

The announcement underlines the high regard in which the UJC is held by the Australian Judo Federation for producing excellent judo players, coaches and administrators.

The national training program will be co-ordinated by State senior coach Chris Palmer and State junior coach Jamie Dodd with assistance from John Deacon and Terry von Bibra, all based at Ulverstone. The UJC has produced some top-class judo players over the years including Palmer, Simon Stones and Angela Deacon who coached the Australian women's team at the Manchester Commonwealth Games.

Palmer said the announcement would enable more Tasmanian judo players to gain national exposure and lift the standard of the sport.

``We've always thought about trying to do some thing to that effect,'' Palmer said.

With extensive experience at the highest level as both a competitor and coach, Palmer said he would be able to call upon the expertise of some of the nation's best through the many contacts he has made over the years. Palmer said he was currently putting together an elite training squad and would be looking at upcoming events to enter.

He said some players would attend a national training camp in Canberra next month and a Japanese judo team was scheduled to visit the UJC in March. John Deacon, president of the AJF and former national coach, said the announcement was great news for the club that was formed in 1954.

``We've put in the time over the years and we've built up the expertise,'' Deacon said.

Deacon said Ulverstone was selected due to its on-field success, leadership, elite level coaching and sound administrative structures. With 70 members at present, the UJC is having to turn potential judo players away this year due to a lack of facilities - a situation the club is hoping to address.

A JOINT Tasmania Police-National Crime Authority operation has uncovered an extensive and elaborate abalone-stealing industry in the State's waters.

The Oakum Task Force was launched in August last year and since then investigators have interviewed or charged 13 individuals. Three of those charged have entered pleas of not guilty while all others have either entered pleas of guilty or have indicated they will do so. The man regarded as the principal target of the operation pleaded guilty and appeared in the Supreme Court in Hobart yesterday.

Police and Public Safety Minister David Llewellyn said yesterday the ongoing arrests of those involved in plundering Tasmania's abalone fishery should serve as a warning to others. Commissioner of Police Richard McCreadie said more people were likely to be charged as further investigations were made.

At one stage 12 investigators worked to identify the extent of organised crime in the State and to disrupt the activity. The powers of the NCA helped pinpoint the delivery of abalone - locally, nationally and internationally - and the relationships and contacts between key entities. Some financial dealings were identified along with the purchase of property and the delivery of items believed to be used in the processing of illegal abalone.

In January, the NCA was given permission by the Federal Minister for Justice to conduct a special conference into organised criminal groups involved in the poaching, unlawful processing and trade in abalone from Tasmanian waters. NCA hearings were held in Hobart in April, May, July and August with 17 people being called.

Mr Llewellyn said the Tasmanian Government was serious about protecting its resources and had no sympathy for those who broke the law and stole abalone.

THE Devonport City Council will investigate lighting up the profile of Victoria Bridge and its pylons along the same lines as Hobart's Tasman Bridge.

At the final meeting before council elections, Ald. Jeff Matthews called for a council report on the feasibility and funding of the idea and the aesthetic condition of the bridge. He said Victoria Bridge was a significant land mark in the city and the second busiest in the State.

``If we could floodlight it, it would be an attraction . . . . and it would leave ferry passengers with a nice final impression of Devonport,'' Ald. Matthews said. ``I don't believe there would be a lot of cost to council as the bridge is the responsibility of State and Federal government,'' he said.

Ald. Graeme Milburn supported the motion but said he would like to see a lot more maintenance on the top of the bridge as well. Ald. Kerry Berwick supported the motion but warned that the council would be told if it wanted the bridge lit, it could pay for it.

``We already spend in excess of $400,000 a year for street lighting and I just issue this warning,'' he said.

Ald. Kerry Whittle said he did not think it was the council's responsibility to investigate the condition of the bridge. He said he would rather see money spent on approach lights.

``They have been out on the East Devonport side for six months,'' Ald. Whittle said.

The council also decided last night to establish a project team to deal with matters that came out of the recent value management study of East Devonport and its surrounding areas. The recommended composition of the special committee will go back to the council for approval but it would have an independent local chairman and four members targeted for their skills and representative ability.

A project manager would be employed by the council on a two-year contract. Ald. Milburn asked that TT-Line, the Port of Devonport Corporation and the State Government all be approached to participate. Ald. Milburn and Ald. Grant Goodwin said emphasis should be placed on TT-Line as the commercial operator and the major player.

THE Waratah-Wynyard Council will toughen its stance on what it sees as a marked increase in vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the municipality.

The council last night voted to seek an urgent meeting with the police commander for the Western District and the officer in charge of the Wynyard station regarding the matter. Concern stemmed from separate incidents and behaviour of young people during the tulip festival weekend, which included breaking of glass, acts of vandalism and abusive and foul language.

According to Cr Kevin Hyland, the anti-social behaviour was becoming a regular occurrence at Wynyard, and he called on the council to take action.

``It's just ludicrous what is happening in our streets, and there is just no excuse for it,'' Cr Hyland said. ``Whether or not we should be approaching other councils that have dealt with this manner, I see Launceston (City Council) has drawn up some plans with the police and the chamber of commerce . . . . maybe we should take a spoke out of their wheel.''

Cr Hyland initiated the motion and it received wide-spread support with Cr Bill French saying ``it was an eye-opener walking down the main street of Wynyard after 9 p.m.''.

Cr Malcolm Fenton said the issue had received much attention over the years, but only broad and brash promises had been given. ``I don't know what we can do, because the problem is out of hand well and truly. When some people I know see a group of young people in the street they make an immediate detour,'' he said.

* * The council will ask the Cradle Coast Authority to take a pivotal role in the reticulation and distribution of natural gas in the region. Cr Fenton brought forward the motion because he believed local government would have to involve itself in the issue of gas reticulation to see the maximum possible coverage achieved.

``The way I see it, the population areas are the only ones to get access, and I don't believe that is fair, regionally speaking,'' he said. ``We should be utilising a product that is on our doorstep.''

Duke Energy International is nearing the completion of the $440m gas pipeline, with four major company contracts already on board.

THE family of Hobart man Tim Hawkins is comforted by the fact his death would have been mercifully sudden and he was having a good time in a place he loved when he died.

The family is confident Tim's body will be found and they will be able to hold a funeral for him soon. ``As I see it, he was doing something he liked . . . . having a beer with your mates, that's good,'' Tim's brother, Stephen, said when he and his father spoke to the media at the family's home in Hobart yesterday.

Several framed photographs of the close-knit family - Tim, Belinda, Stephen and their parents Judith and Stephen sr - hang on the walls along with proud moments in Tim and Stephen's successful rowing careers. Vases of flowers around the lounge room were testament to the sorrow and support expressed by friends and family.

Stephen and his father returned from Bali on Sunday after an unsuccessful search for Tim's body. They left behind Tim's DNA, dental records and fingerprints to help with the identification process.

Tim (28) was with two friends at the Sari Club in Kuta 10 days ago when two bombs exploded nearby and destroyed the club. Tim's friends - Ben Davis, of Hobart, and Stuart Anstee, who works at Railton - received shrapnel injuries and burns in the blast and are recovering. Stephen tried to describe the scene at the Sari Club before the explosion from what he had been told by Mr Anstee and Richard Joyes.

Mr Joyes, formerly of Launceston, was the fourth member of the group holidaying in Bali but he did not go out that night because he was suffering from ``Bali belly''.

``They were sitting around a table with a pole in the middle,'' Stephen said. ``Stan (Stuart Anstee) was facing the blast, Tim was opposite him with his back to the blast. Ben was to his right.''

He said the men were sitting with two German women and an American woman. ``From what I gather it was very, very sudden. The first blast happened and the second one was so quick afterwards that they wouldn't have had a chance to be scared. ``The two other boys both were knocked out by the blast. ``Stan said . . . . when he came to he just got up and ran out of there.''

He said he and Tim's closest mate, Mr Davis, were too emotional to speak to one another yet but he understood Mr Davis was knocked unconscious by the blast and awoke as he was being carried to a van which took him to hospital.

``I take it that (Tim) probably got knocked out by the blast,'' Stephen said.

He said if the blast had not killed Tim he would have been unconscious when the fire did. ``That's one positive that I think that at least it would have been sudden and he wouldn't have known anything about it,'' Stephen said.

Stephen said Tim loved the laid-back Balinese lifestyle. ``He'd been there before and it was really his idea to go back there. He said he could live there,'' Stephen said.

Stephen said he hoped Tim's body would soon be found so they could close the sad chapter in their lives. Stephen sr said every day while they were in Bali he and Stephen met with Australian officials and other families searching for victims.

``There was a private photographer that took about 20 shots of victims straight after (the explosions),'' Stephen sr said.

He said the families of missing people were desperate to see the photos but out of the 20 photos the injuries were so horrific he could identify only one as a person. He said speaking with a counsellor in Bali helped him cope with the ordeal.

``(The memorial service) was the biggest low I went through,'' he said as he choked back tears.

It is understood Mr Davis returned home from Melbourne yesterday after undergoing surgery on his hand and waiting several days for his burst eardrum to heal enough for him to fly. Mr Anstee remains in hospital in Darwin.

WITH an eye firmly fixed on Tasmania's richest sprint event, the $35,000 Tasmanian Newmarket (1400 metres) next month, Devonport trainer Michael Trinder and his son, Adam, will be closely watching the efforts of their six-year-old gelding, Warped, at Spreyton today.

Warped will run in the Richmond Concepts and Print Handicap (1175 metres) in a field full of quality horses who are all gearing up for the big summer races.

``We initially got him over here to be trained as a jumper,'' Adam Trinder said. ``He won two hurdles trials but his form was such over the flat that we had three wins from five starts. He then started to show some effects of a bout of colic, so we turned him out.''

That was in June and since then the Perugino gelding, out of Simply Fine, had spent a quiet three months at the Armidale Stud before the Trinders brought him back into work.

``We have slowly increased his workload to where he is about 80 p.c.,''Adam Trinder said. ``He's training well but has not come on as quickly as we would like, but we expect him to finish in the top four in the handicap. ``He takes an enormous amount of work to get to peak condition and if he doesn't perform in the handicap, we might have to miss the Newmarket and aim at the Winzenberg Trophy (1200 metres) a week or so later.''

OFTEN described as a game for the elderly, the sport of lawn bowls on the North-West Coast is doing its best to dispel that dated, age-old perception.

With junior numbers on the increase, lawn bowls is at last being recognised as a skilful game regardless of age. ``On a whole the junior numbers appear to be up,'' North-West Tasmanian Bowls Association president Andrew Ashlin said. ``We are fighting the culture of the community that bowls is an old persons' game.

About 10 years ago not many new faces were on the scene, but the focus is changing. ``At Latrobe in particular the increase is high, with a reported 10 new lads joining this season.''

In the North of the State the increases have been even better with 95 under 18 players signing this season. ``We have a very strong junior program here in the North, which has been accepted by the schools,'' State Council secretary Bill Palmer said.

At Latrobe, the influx of 10 junior players is heartening and a full reward for the work the club has put into the local schools. ``We have had people from the Latrobe High and The Don College coming here for the past four or five years and are really reaping the benefits with the juniors signing on,'' club president Ian Murfett said.

``A few of the boys normally play cricket with Latrobe or Sheffield but have decided to try their hands at bowls. We are very pleased they have given the game a go when a lot their age wouldn't.''

Anyone wishing to play bowls should contact their local club or Ashlin.

WHILE it has temporarily let go of the title of Tasmania's richest gift, the 2003 Burnie Gift on New Year's Day will still carry much prestige in the Tasmanian Carnival Series, according to race organisers.

It will also carry the name Hahn Premium Light with brewing giant Tooheys jumping on board as major sponsor for the $10,000 event. The prize money for the 120-metre gift was cut by $5000 for the 2002 New Year's Day running and the recently announced boost for the Latrobe Gift puts Burnie in second place in the money stakes. The Patrick Shipping Latrobe Gift will be worth $12,000 this season.

Burnie Athletic Club president Denzil Munday said in the coming years the Burnie Gift would take its rightful place as Tasmania's richest running gift. Munday also praised the support given by new sponsor Tooheys.

``Tooheys will now take on the responsibility for the Burnie Gift, which is great news because sponsorship is not that easy to come by for various reasons,'' Munday said. ``Most of the major companies that have been involved in the Burnie Carnival are now offshore companies that have head offices in other parts of Australia. ``The sponsorship could well increase in the future and we would be hoping to maintain a relationship with Tooheys because they have an option of another year.''

Following suit from the 2002 New Years Day Carnival, the Hahn Premium Light Burnie Gift final will be held under lights, alongside the Brambles Burnie Wheel.

``It proved to be a fairly successful format last time and it provides extra entertainment value for the patrons in the evening . . . it makes for a great spectacle with the fireworks as well,'' Munday said.

The Tasmanian Carnival Series hits the Coast for the first time on November 3 with the PCCCT Carnival, featuring the men's and women's West Park gifts and the West Park Wheel.

THE BURNIE Tennis Club is on the verge of securing the biggest men's international tennis tournament held in Tasmania in at least a decade, if not all time.

Tennis Australia officials yesterday visited the BTC facilities and confirmed Burnie had won the honour to host Australia's only men's ATP Uncle Toby's Challenger tennis event, a tournament which will boast $US25,000 ($A45,000) prize money and will attract players ranked from 150 to 300 in the world.

The deal hinges on the event securing funding from the Burnie City Council and the State Government. Tennis Tasmania chief executive officer Grant Cosgriff said yesterday he was hoping a deal would be brokered ``within a few days''.

``There was a Challenger event in Launceston in 1993 which included Pat Rafter and Richard Fromberg and Fromberg actually won, but it it did not have the same level of prize money and certainly I'd say this is the biggest men's tennis event to be held in this State in a long, long time,'' Cosgriff said.

The Challenger circuit is the next level down from the worldwide men's ATP tour. The best of Australia's emerging players and some recognisable stars are likely to be among the entries.

The event has been scheduled for March 7-16 next year and would lead into the two Futures events already secured for the Coast, the first in Burnie, starting March 24, and the second at Devonport, starting March 31. This year's Australian Challenger event was held in Gosford, New South Wales. However, the tournament originated in Perth as the West Australian Open.

``It was a mutual agreement by Tennis Australia and Gosford to hold the event somewhere else next year,'' Tennis Australia's general manager of operations and events Fenton Coull said yesterday. ``It was opened up to a bid process and Burnie was the winning bid. ``We were very happy with the Futures event down here this year. ``The added beauty of a town like this holding this event is you just don't get the level of support if you were to hold the event in a major city centre.''

Cosgriff said considering the amount of money to be injected into the Coast and the possibility it may be an ongoing event, he was hopeful the Government and the council would come on board.

The Burnie Tennis Club, will also hold the Australian 14 and under hardcourt championships from December 28 to January 8.

NORTH-WEST abattoirs and beef producers continue to snap up shipments of cattle from drought-ravaged interstate farms while a plan to give dairy cows a ``sea change'' is taking shape.

In the past two months, 13,000 head of store cattle have arrived in Tasmania and the Department of Primary Industry, Water and Environment has issued authorisation for another 4000 to be shipped to the State in coming weeks. Brambles brought more cattle to Burnie yesterday.

A Roberts Limited spokesman said the cattle were going all over the State. ``Inquiries are still strong and it is still cost effective to buy them,'' Chris Taylor said yesterday.

And cattle earmarked for immediate slaughter are feeding Tasmania's three main abattoirs. The stampede began in early August when the drought first began to bite. ``They are still coming in and there is no end in sight at this stage,'' John Elliot, from the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, said yesterday.

The buy-up of cattle from dry interstate properties is not expected to ease till drought-breaking rains fall or conditions in Tasmania begin to dry up. Meat processors are hoping livestock moves through the system quickly to keep production humming but the real effects of the livestock spending spree should be noticed in 12 months time when young store cattle imported now are ready for slaughter.

The buy-up may avert the traditional livestock shortage and winter abattoir shutdown in 2003. ``To put things in perspective this is basically a reversal of what happened in the autumn of 2000,'' Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Meat Council chairman Paul Saward said yesterday. ``The kind of numbers coming into the State now would have gone out then because of a drought and poor prices. ``Picking these mainland cattle up now stops them being killed before they reach their full potential.''

Dairy cattle from drought-affected farms are also arriving in Tasmania as part of an agistment scheme supported by Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Dairy Council president Brendan Thompson.

``This is a way of letting mainland farmers keep their stock rather than discard them. You cannot rebuy breeding,'' Mr Thompson said. ``It is important to give these farmers on the mainland a hand.''

The ``cow parking'' move involves dairy cows from dry Victorian farms coming to Tasmania till conditions improve interstate. Milk production could be kept by the Tasmanian farmer as ``board'' or an agistment rate could be charged for young dry stock.

IT WAS ``dirty stuff'', but the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association has emerged intact from 10 days of internal turmoil which left it without an executive director and president.

The association is in damage control in the wake of the administrative dust-up and talk that the general farming community had become disillusioned with the body set up to represent its interests. An emergency meeting of the general council was held on Monday to sort out what had become a very public internal mess and vice-chairman Brendon Thompson is now the TFGA's sole media spokesman.

Mr Thompson will remain as acting president of the association and a general manager will be appointed from outside the association to allow it to continue day-to-day operations. An independent adviser has been hired to negotiate with executive director Keith Rice.

The TFGA first announced that Mr Rice had been sacked on October 12. A few days later the TFGA said Mr Rice was still employed but on leave. Then TFGA president James Walch, a grazier from the Midlands, resigned. He later said he took responsibility for due process not being followed in the dismissal of Mr Rice. Mr Thompson yesterday stressed Mr Rice was still employed by the TFGA but on extended leave.

``I think most farmers would respect that the general council dealt with a difficult situation quickly and there are no people leaving the TFGA that I am aware of,'' Mr Thompson said. ``It was dirty stuff and the reputation of the TFGA had to be maintained. ``Of course, when the difficulties arose members were concerned about what was going on. ``It was not a pleasant situation for the TFGA to be in. ``But at the end of the day the general council was united in how things should be handled. ``I think this has galvanised the council. Some times things need a shake-up.''

Primary Industries, Water and Environment Minister Bryan Green said yesterday the interim measures were a positive step forward. Mr Green said he hoped the TFGA could put its administrative turmoil behind it.

``It is particularly pleasing to know the TFGA will continue to work towards a modernised, corporate model for its administration,'' Mr Green said.

A Launceston man critically injured in the Bali bomb attack is already planning to revisit the scene of the disaster.

Stuart Anstee (23) hopes to return to his family home after his release from the Royal Darwin Hospital on Saturday. His voice croaky from the glass shrapnel that severed his carotid artery and almost ended his life, Mr Anstee said yesterday he accepted his mate Tim Hawkins had not survived.

Mr Anstee, an environmental scientist and Army reservist, said he needed to return to the place that held so many terrible memories. ``I think it's the same for a lot of people; actually going back, facing up to your demons and actually facing up to what happened,'' Mr Anstee said from his hospital bed. ``Things will settle down, probably in the next 12 months. ``The Bali economy does depend on Australians.''

When the Sari Club in Kuta exploded on October 12, Mr Anstee was drinking with Mr Hawkins, another mate, Ben Davis, and three women they had recently met from Germany and the United States. Mr Davis escaped without life-threatening injuries. What happened to the rest of their party is unknown.

Mr Anstee was blinded by grit and the flash of the explosion which he estimated was 75 metres away. Of his many burns and shrapnel wounds, Mr Anstee was only aware of the throat wound. He said his Army first aid training told him that the blood spurting from the side of his neck was a severed artery.

``I didn't even notice the other ones (injuries), to tell you the truth,'' he said.

By the time he reached the street outside the club, he no longer had the strength to stand. Two passers-by helped him into a car and took him to the Kuta medical centre.

``The one point that I thought I was in strife was in the vehicle on the way to the medical centre,'' he said. ``I lost a lot of blood and started to feel very weak and get very cold.''

But a clot formed in his jugular vein which prevented him bleeding to death. Doctors suspect the clot was created by the pressure of a singlet Mr Anstee had applied to his throat.

``I don't know about a miracle, but looking back on it, I was definitely very lucky,'' he said.

HUNDREDS of gym members stand to be out of pocket following the sudden closure of Templar's Squash and Fitness Centre at East Devonport yesterday.

Members, some of whom only bought memberships on Monday afternoon, were greeted by a letter on the centre's door yesterday blaming public liability insurance for the closure. The instructors also had no idea it was on the cards and were informed by a telephone call on Monday night. The centre will remain closed and the building will be auctioned on November 15.

The letter, signed by managing director Paul Templar, said the decision had not been taken lightly. Mr Templar, who could not be contacted yesterday, said in the letter it was hoped someone would buy the centre and upgrade it to its required standard and ``continue to trade, honouring its existing members''.

``The single largest reason for the closure is the fact that the centre can no longer gain public liability insurance,'' the letter said. ``I apologise for the inconvenience that this decision will cause but believe me your loss is nowhere as great as mine.''

Many local businesses will be counting their losses after offering subsidised membership to employees as part of an agreement with the centre. A number of disability service groups, including CRS Australia and Veterans Affairs, are also believed to have been left in the lurch after using the centre for rehabilitation purposes because it was the only public facility in the city with a heated indoor pool, spa and sauna.

Instructor Trish Nancarrow nobly faced the crowds yesterday, saying the move had left her ``feeling sick in the stomach''. ``I was still signing people up yesterday, including a couple of seniors who paid $750 for membership,'' Mrs Nancarrow said. ``It is just awful, not only for these people but I don't have a job anymore.''

Mrs Nancarrow, who has worked at the centre for 1 1/2 years, along with her husband David, are among 11 staff members now without casual work. Mrs Nancarrow was collecting the names of the members who showed up in an effort to try to find them an alternative centre.

The centre, which has been open for 29 years, is owned freehold by Ross and Pat Templar and leasehold by Paul and Caren Templar. Ross Templar said yesterday he was not aware of the full situation.

``You guys know as much as I do,'' he said.

From Queensland, Pat Templar said the matter was between the members and Paul. ``I am sorry but that's business, that is business,'' she said.

Devonport woman Freda Stevens said she had bought a 12-month membership only last Thursday, leaving her $225 out of pocket. ``This is just not good enough . . . . I am just so angry,'' Mrs Stevens said. ``What are we all going to do now?''

A member for more than three years, Maree Tyrrell, of Ulverstone, said all of the members had similar stories, all paying differing amounts depending on the level of membership they had obtained. A membership drive was held earlier this year and at the weekend passes to the centre were handed out as part of a major fundraiser for East Devonport's Edgerton family, whose house was destroyed by fire.

Mrs Tyrrell said members had remained loyal and put up with the deteriorating condition of the centre. ``And it has gradually become run down and classes have been cut to save money but we have stuck around,'' she said.

The Federal Government's Australian Security and Investments Commission said the matter had not been referred.

DEFENDING champion Susie Power will arrive in Burnie tomorrow slightly jet-lagged and with stiff legs, but desperate to retain her Burnie Ten title on Sunday and break the race record.

Five days ago, the 27-year-old crossed the finish line in the BUPA Great North Run in London in second place, exhausted after posting the second-fastest half marathon time in the world this year. The following day she was on a plane for Melbourne to begin preparations for the Skilled Burnie Ten where she will face much tougher competition than she did 12 months ago.

Trying to put the weariness to the back of her mind, Power is desperate to do something she didn't achieve last year, thanks largely to a howling wind. Break the race record. Tasmania's own Kylie Risk holds the record with a blistering time of 31.42 minutes in 1999. With Australian 5000 metres champion Benita Johnson in the race and anticipated fine conditions, that mark should be eclipsed on Sunday.

``If it's a good day, there will definitely be a record on the cards for either myself or Benita. I pushed it hard last year into the wind, but you can't be expected to run that time turning with a head wind,'' Power said. ``Benita is coming off a five-kilometre background with more speed and I'm coming down from half marathon running, so it will be very interesting. ``It's going to be a great race with Benita because she's in great form and she'll do very well over 10 kilometres.''

Power is confident her exertion in the half marathon, mixed with the long flight from London, will not dictate her performance. ``I hope not. Obviously I'm going to be a lot more tired, I'm not doing much training this week and I'll still be a little jet-lagged,'' she said. ``It was great to do so well (in the half marathon). I thought I would do okay over that distance, but I was a little surprised to run that well that soon.''

On top of her half marathon success, Power won a bronze medal in the 10,000 metres at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, adding to her surprise bronze medal over the same distance at the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane. On Sunday, she predicts a big bunch of women will head out to Round Hill together, with the pace to be made on the return leg.

Power admits she will need to put some distance on main rival Johnson before entering Wilson St, with the 5000 metres champion boasting plenty of speed in her legs.

WOMEN'S cricket on the North-West Coast has received a boost with the launch of a women's training program in Devonport and Burnie.

Targeting high school-aged girls, the weekly training sessions are being conducted by former Devonport coach Sean Gower, who was recently appointed women's cricket officer for the North-West Coast.

Almost 20 players attended the first training sessions in Devonport and Burnie last week, with the TCA hoping to see that figure grow as word spreads of the opportunities for young women cricketers.

``We've produced some good players on the Coast but there just hasn't been the numbers,'' TCA North-West game development officer Rob Stewart said. ``There's a squad already up and running in Circular Head for both senior and junior women. ``We are hoping to have some games between the regions later in the season.''

Stewart said with a greater push in high schools, he was expecting more young women to take part in the training sessions. Anyone interested in becoming involved in women's cricket should contact the NWTCA for further information.

THE State looks set to have its biggest tourism year ever with an independent survey of accommodation providers showing forward bookings up nearly 50 p.c. on the same time last year. The survey, conducted by the Tasmanian division of the Tourism Council of Australia, was based on booking figures for its member groups.

Reasons for optimism also include business reporting strong trade and real estate inquiries outstripping property listings in the region. TCA manager Michael Roberts said it was shaping up to be one of the biggest final quarters ever for the tourism industry. He said events had impacted on the industry for the past three years with the Spirit of Tasmania breakdown in 1999, the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the September 11 terrorist attacks and the collapse of Ansett last year.

``We haven't had a decent final quarter for a long time now but now it is looking like being one of the best yet,'' Mr Roberts said.

He said the State's positive image was also getting out to more prospective travellers and accolades, such as Tasmania being named in US magazine Travel+Leisure as the world's second most popular island destination behind Bali, certainly helped. He said the SeeTasmania Card, a unique travel package, would also be launched next month. The card is aimed at the new generation of tourist - independent travellers not tied into tour packages.

``Less and less people are booking ahead and we are getting more of the free-wheeling independent traveller,'' Mr Roberts said. ``This is the way travel is going with tourists making their own way about and Tasmania is becoming a short-break destination. ``This is due to things like the Internet and because a lot of the access issues have now been dealt with through increased air travel and the arrival of the twin Bass Strait ferries,'' he said.

Tourism Tasmania executive officer Rob Giason agreed. ``But it is not the consumers that are changing their behaviour because they are used to doing things like not pre-booking . . . . when they travel on the mainland,'' Mr Giason said. ``Tasmania has been different but we are seeing this change in behaviour now. It is up to the State to accept that and make sure we are adjusting our markets to cope.''

Mr Giason said last financial year, 46 p.c. of holidaymakers pre-booked their accommodation which was down from 56 p.c. for the previous three years.

``This is good news for the industry because it results in better returns for the industry. There will always be a market, however, for those people that want to holiday and make sure that everything is in place so we have to keep it balanced.''

Mr Giason said while it was still too early for Tourism Tasmania to give an indication on how things were really going, it had been monitoring the situation since September 1 and would release its findings as soon as possible. Mr Roberts said two passenger ships on Bass Strait was the answer to the tourism industry's wildest dreams.

``The true size of the new investment alone can be missed when scattered over months of separate news stories. But brought altogether they represent a huge private sector investment and vote of confidence in Tasmania and tourism,'' Mr Roberts said.

AMONG the lofty goals of running an Olympic and world championship marathon, Shaun Creighton yesterday signalled his intention to match the Burnie Ten feats of Steve Moneghetti.

Moneghetti has four Ten crowns, meaning Creighton (35), a dual Ten winner, needs two more victories. Creighton will compete in his fifth Burnie Ten on Sunday and while he's desperate to eat into Moneghetti's winning lead, one person may get in his road this time around - a red-hot Craig Mottram.

``The last time I ran in the Ten I arrived with the expectation to win, but I'm not quite 100 p.c. on top of my game and I'm lugging some extra miles for the marathons. Someone like Mottram, who is really sharp, will come in as overwhelming favourite,'' Creighton said yesterday. ``I hope to replicate his (Moneghetti's) feats and try and match his record of four wins, and while I'm certainly not ruling out victory this time around, I'll be aiming for a top-three performance.''

Creighton is listed as the fastest Australian in history over the distance, a feat he achieved in late 1996 by running 27 minutes, 31.92 seconds in the Zatopek 10,000 metres - finally eclipsing Ron Clarke's record set in 1965.

Since his victorious run in the Burnie Ten in 2000, Creighton has concentrated on marathon running. He finished ninth in the marathon at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. After Sunday's race, the 10-time national champion will head back to the United States with his American wife, Shelley Steely, and gear up for the New York Marathon. Steely is also competing in Burnie and will be a strong chance to take a top-three place.

``If anything, we'll win the husband and wife category,'' Creighton laughed.

CAMERON Clarke is a walking, talking advertisement for the wonders of modern medicine and the priceless gift of organ donation.

In February, 1993, Clarke, of Burnie, was given just two weeks to live due to the hardening of his bile ducts, but a liver transplant saved his life. Last week on the Gold Coast, the 39-year-old won a total of 13 medals at the Australian Transplant Games, a sporting event rich in stories of amazing human endurance even before the start of any race.

``We had one young guy there who got a kidney from his father when he was two, he's now 19, completely blind and now requires another kidney, which he is getting from his mother. Yet you should have seen him in the swimming pool,'' Clarke said. ``We had another young girl in the opening ceremony, who had a liver transplant at the age of seven months, now she's nine and she sang in the opening ceremony ... and she followed Julie Anthony on the bill, so that's pretty big shoes to fill.

``We're not super athletes at the (Transplant) Games, we don't profess to be, but it's about showing our lives have returned to some sort of normality and the value of organ donation.''

Clarke's medal haul was amazing nonetheless and consisted of eight gold medals, two silver medals and three bronze. He won three golds, two silvers and a bronze in athletics, two golds in golf, two golds for singles and doubles in badminton, a bronze in the tennis singles and gold in the doubles and finally a bronze in the tenpin bowling pairs.

Clarke's golds in the golf were not particularly surprising considering he plays off a handicap of 10 at the Burnie Golf Club and is favourite for the club's Spring Cup next week.

``I've actually won the Spring Cup for the last three years in a row, so they (the club's members) will probably ban me this year or make me play left-handed,'' he joked.

Clarke also combined with fellow Tasmanian transplant competitors, Hobart's Terry Avery and former Tasmanian Tony Harding, to win the Donor Family Shield for the most medals per capita, per state at the titles - a win which is yet to be officially confirmed. Launceston is being considered as the venue for the 2006 Australian Transplant Games.

VISITING New South Wales tourists Liz and Michael Johnson summed up their Tasmanian visit in one simple quote. ``This is the best place we have ever, ever, ever stayed,'' Mrs Johnson said.

The Bathurst couple arrived in the State with their son Matt and daughter Jo, who competed in a hockey competition in Launceston. After the competition was over, the family chose to stay an extra week to explore every corner of the State. They covered Strahan to Burnie, Devonport, Cradle Mountain, Hobart and Port Arthur before leaving last night on the Spirit of Tasmania 2.

``It has just been wonderful,'' Mrs Johnson said. ``Tasmania is just so beautiful, the people are so friendly and we just want to come back as soon as we can. ``We will be telling all of our friends about this place and making sure they come here as well.''

Stanley Visitors Centre manager Sharalyn Walters said she was also receiving positive reports from tourists, which was a good sign the State was getting things right. Since the start of September, 1060 people had visited the centre.

``However, it is interesting to note that just more than 40 p.c. of those have been from October 1, so things really appear to be picking up,'' Mrs Walters said.

She said it appeared accommodation operators were also getting it right by correctly placing their promotional material.

``People are able to access a whole range of stuff before they even get to us. ``That shows that a lot of operators are much more discerning on where they place their products and know where target markets are to get the most of the exposure.''

IT'S a matter of use it or lose it for the newest airline operating on the North-West Coast. Regional Express, also known as REX, brought together the former Kendell and Hazelton airlines and starting flying out of Burnie and Devonport in early August.

But airline management may already have to make the tough decisions, with the closeness of the Burnie, Devonport and Launceston airports, and the two new Bass Strait ferries causing some headaches.

``It's a tough market because we have an unusual situation here with three centres within an hour and half of each other with three airlines operating, and now the twin ships as well,'' REX chief executive officer Michael Jones said. ``At the moment we are losing money and we can't sustain commercial operation if we continue as we are, so we need to look at what initiatives we can put in place to counteract this.''

Mr Jones, along with executive general manager commercial Guy Farrow and other management team members, was in Ulverstone last night at a community leaders' cocktail party hosted by the airline.

``We have monthly management meetings, and we like to move them to different locations to give us a chance to meet the local people,'' Mr Farrow said.

Mr Jones said the airline needed strong community support for it to be able to operate effectively. ``During the administration phase of the former airline John Anderson (Federal Transport Minister) said `you either use it or lose it', and that's what situation we are in now,'' Mr Jones said.

``Decisions like this are multi-faceted, so that is why we are talking with community leaders and business people, because they are a large part of the decision-making process. ``If the community doesn't get behind us, the possibility is that we may have to pull out of either Devonport or Burnie, or reduce services to both.''

Mr Jones said Northern Tasmania was an important part of the airline's operations, but that the airline was also an integral part of the North-West region. ``If, for example, we pulled out of both Burnie and Devonport this would have a big economical impact, and Qantas would become a monopoly and be able to charge whatever fares it wanted,'' he said.

``Regional airlines are a community-based business and if we had to pull out or cut back services in any way it would have a devastating effect on the community. ``It's a two-way street, and we need the community to get behind us now.''

BURNIE CIB is chasing one man in relation to a cluster of house break-ins at Upper Burnie as it investigates a spate of daylight burglaries in the city this week.

Det.-Insp. Rob Gunton would not pinpoint how many burglaries had been committed but said several had been reported this week at Upper Burnie, Montello and Parklands.

``Not all of them are down to this bloke,'' Det.-Insp. Gunton said yesterday.

The man police are seeking is described as between 175-180 cm tall and of medium build with long dark hair. He was last seen wearing dark jeans, a blue shirt and a red-mauve windcheater. The daylight burglaries at Montello and Parklands are believed to have been committed on Tuesday afternoon.

But it is not just urban areas which are being targeted by thieves. Between September 25 and Wednesday police received three reports of burglaries at rural properties. Burglaries were reported at South Nietta, Loongana and Erriba and property worth about $27,000 was stolen including whitegoods, furniture and electrical equipment. Burglars gained entry to the houses by forcing doors or windows.

Members of rural communities have been asked to keep an eye out for vehicles capable of transporting big items or anyone acting in a suspicious manner. Second-hand dealers and those buying second-hand equipment are also asked to be alert and to establish legitimate ownership before buying household goods.

Anyone who knows the man police are seeking or who has information regarding the burglaries committed at Upper Burnie is asked to contact Burnie police. Anyone with information on other crimes should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 005 555 or their nearest police station.

Devonport police are investigating a burglary at 84 Nixon St between midday on Monday and 10 a.m. Wednesday. Thieves gained access to a garage and took two bicycles. Both bicycles were recovered in Tasman St, Devonport on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 005 555 or Const. Keygan, at Devonport police.

THE RISING star of Nook cyclist Mark Jamieson continues to soar after scoring a silver medal in the time trial at the world road cycling champion ships in Zolder, Belgium.

Competing in the under 19 junior men's group, Jamieson (18), finished second to Russia's Mikhail Ignatiev, with Italy's Vincenzo Nibali taking bronze. Jamieson clocked 28 minutes, 40.74 seconds for the 23.2 km course, 10.36 seconds behind Ignatiev. The win by Ignatiev reverses the placings in the pursuit final at the world track cycling champion ships in Melbourne last month, where the Russian took silver behind the 2002 Burnie Wheel winner.

``Mark was a bit uptight after his ride about the second placing, but was pleased to get it over and done with,'' Jamieson's father, Kevin, said yester day. ``He didn't seem entirely happy with his ride ... ``There was a lot of pressure on him to do well after winning gold at the world track titles and he now is very confident of taking out the road race on Saturday.''

The 130 km road race will see Jamieson, Jonothan Clarke, James Meadley, Richard Moffatt, Nicolas Sanderson and Evandale's Ryan Sullivan representing Australia against 260 of the world's best in a race demanding all facets of a cyclist's armory.

``Mark has the miles in his legs, the speed and the smarts to do well,'' Kevin Jamieson said. ``He realises that the Italian, Nibali, has a lot of speed and will probably team with Ignatiev and the Australians to try and break away and negate that. ``He likes the Russian's style and has said he would one day love to ride the six-day races with him.''

With eight Australian and a world track titles to his credit to date, Jamieson one day wants to ride in the Tour de France and become Australia's first ever winner.

``He has had that dream since he was 15 and while it is a big one and there is a lot of water to pass under the bridge, he has shown he is determined and prepared to do the work to get places.''

Nook's other Australian representative, Belinda Goss (17), today contests the under 19 78.6 km road race. The Don College student will be joined by Springfield's Stephanie Williams, Sally Cowman and Alex Rhodes as Australian riders in a very strong 100-cyclist field. Williams and Goss are ranked one and two respectively in Australia and are genuine medal chances.

WHILE the first speedway meet of the year has been cancelled, a lifeline that may secure the future of the sport at the Latrobe Speedway may be found today.

Braddon MHA Brenton Best will sit down with speedway officials today and discuss some proposals which may lead to the resumption of racing at the venue. The Latrobe Speedway was forced to close its doors indefinitely two weeks ago due to the rising costs of public liability insurance.

The insurance problem was felt across the nation, with many other venues deciding to shut their doors and suspend speedway racing indefinitely. The Latrobe Speedway's first meeting of the year was scheduled for Saturday night, but has been scuttled due to the insurance problems.

Mr Best said yesterday he was confident a common ground and a lifeline would be found at today's meeting. ``I'm certain things will work out, it all depends on whether the speedway wants to go down the track that we will suggest to them at the meeting,'' Mr Best said. ``There are a couple of proposals in the pipeline which I'll put to them tomorrow.''

Latrobe Speedway spokesperson Trevor Harman said the club was working overtime to get speedway racing back on the track.

``We're looking in a few different directions, we're naturally trying to seek insurance that is financially viable. We're exploring every avenue possible to get the speedway up and running,'' he said. ``Hopefully something will come out of tomorrow's meeting with Brenton Best.''

Under the present insurance system, the Latrobe Speedway would be forced to pay more than double last year's premium, which would take the final figure above $60,000. That figure isn't necessarily the problem. The fact a large number of venues around the country would be closing would ensure the premiums sky-rocket through the $100,000 mark with the remaining speedway venues forced to take up the slack of national insurance coverage.

IMAGINE playing 18 holes of golf at the age of 88. Now imagine playing two lots of 18 holes in two days at the age of 88 and carding less than 100 on both occasions.

Think this is a joke? Then, please meet avid golfer Marie Chapman, who turns 89 next month. Chapman still plays off a handicap of 18 at the Catalina Country Club at Batemans Bay, NSW, and is among about 100 golfers playing in the Senior Amateur Golf Championships of Australia at Seabrook Golf Club.

``I had rounds of 97 yesterday and 99 today . . . I dropped seven shots on the last two holes today so I think I was starting to get a bit tired,'' Chapman said yesterday. ``I still play two lots of 18 holes and two lots of nine each week at home.''

Chapman, who competed in the first Australian senior women's title in 1987, was 40th overall after the qualifying rounds, just missing the cut of 32, but she did qualify third for the Veterans' Flight, which is a match play tournament for the top eight players aged 61 and over.

A late starter to the game of golf, Chapman reduced her handicap to as low as four and won the NSW country week title for three years running between 1958-60.

``I wish I had started playing golf at the age of 12,'' Chapman said. ``I only started playing when I was 33, before then I was good at tennis, hockey and cricket and I thought golf was a silly game - I love it now.''

IT WOULD be a fairytale if Burnie ski paddler Craig Machen could win Saturday's Somerset Hotel 14 km Wynyard-to-Somerset Surf Marathon.

Machen helped establish the first Somerset marathon 10 years ago with Phil O'Niell and Brian Polson and at that time, Machen never thought he would be a chance of winning the race on its 10th anniversary.

When the first race was established in 1993, Machen, a fireman, was still battling the effects of a work accident where he was trapped under a three-storey brick wall at a house fire in Launceston. Now 39, Machen is in good form, coming off a win in the winter kayak series, and is hoping to break his drought in the open competition.

``I've never actually won the race,'' the current Burnie club member confirmed. ``In the early years I was always too busy with organisation and in recent years I've won the over 35 section. ``I think this year is the best chance I've had but Jamie Stubbs is going to be the man to beat - he's won it six times and has made this race his own.

``Everyone knows my plan of attack though. I can't leave it to a sprint at the end, I have to put the pressure on and hope I can burn them out at the start of the race.''

Despite not being with the Somerset club these days, Machen is still proud and excited about the event. ``Probably out of all the distance races in the State, this would be the most popular because the distance is not out of the reach of most competitors,'' he said. ``It's nice and early in the season and is a great set-up for the rest of the summer.''

ADMISSION charges at the Burnie Aquatic Centre will increase by 25 p.c. this summer, it was decided at last night's Burnie City Council meeting.

The increase is a reflection of the rising cost for the council to maintain the pool. In making the decision, Ald. Brett Whiteley echoed the sentiment around the council table in saying the decision was regrettable but unavoidable.

``It's a bit sad we have to move this way but we have little choice,'' Ald. Whiteley said.

Daily admission for an adult to the centre will rise to $4, children will be charged $2.50, and spectators $1.30.

The issue of natural gas reticulation was also on the agenda, with the council passing a motion by Ald. Jim Altimira to write to the Deputy Premier and the Department of Economic Development advising of the council's ``willingness to participate in discussions to become a stakeholder in gas reticulation services''.

Ald. Sandra French supported the motion, saying it gave Burnie a ``leadership profile'' on the issue. Ald. Sam Samec said the gas reticulation issue was one on which the Cradle Coast Authority should have shown more leadership.

The council also agreed to another motion put by Ald. Altimira for the council to seek a meeting with any interested parties to develop backpacker accommodation in Burnie to capitalise on the expected growth in Tasmanian tourism and the lack of any backpacker-style accommodation in central Burnie.

Last night was the last council meeting for Ald. Whiteley and Ald. Noel Atkins.

A FORMER Smithton High School teacher has lost his appeal against a conviction on pornography charges.

In June, Christopher Ronald Knight was convicted by Magistrate Don Jones in Burnie on one count of possessing a child abuse product and on one count of possessing a bestiality product.

In the Supreme Court in Launceston yesterday, Justice Peter Evans dismissed the appeal saying he was convinced the ``inescapably'' pornographic images contained on 64 floppy disks found in Knight's possession in August, 2000, had been downloaded for a sexual purpose unrelated to any educational or artistic interest.

``It is not really possible to discern a claim that the pictures were accumulated for educational purposes from the confused and contradictory explanations he offered,'' Mr Justice Evans said.

Knight maintained during the appeal that he had inadvertently downloaded the offending pictures from the Internet as he carried out research for a university project and for the creation of an artwork. Mr Justice Evans said Mr Jones had concluded Knight was not a credible witness.

``The submission that the magistrate failed to provide adequate reasons for concluding that the pictures were not gathered by the applicant for education purposes is not sustainable and I am also unpersuaded that there is any legitimate basis for challenging the correctness of his conclusion,'' Mr Justice Evans said.

Knight had also maintained that he had not seen the pictures. ``There is no dispute that the defendant had actual possession of the 64 disks themselves,'' he said. ``Many of the disks contained labels, some of which have written on them such phrases as ``young models'', ``ultrateens'' and ``bondage'' to name a few. ``It is obvious that the contents have been classified or sorted by the person who has saved the images.

``The only logical reference to be drawn from the evidence that the applicant searched the net for graphics, 651 of which he downloaded and stored on floppy disks, is that the applicant knew what he was obtaining and retaining.

``It was inevitable that the learned magistrate would reject the applicant's denials of detailed knowledge of the contents of what he had obtained, particularly when those denials were interlaced with evidence which indicated the applicant had paid close attention to, and was well aware, of the contents.''

Knight will be sentenced in the Burnie Magis trates Court on November 19 at 9.45 a.m.

WHILE Bali bombing victim Stuart Anstee was wheeled into surgery in Darwin at midday yesterday to have a shard of glass removed from his throat, his father David waited by the phone in Tasmania.

Stuart, of Launceston, had only been in Bali for two days when the bomb ripped through Paddy's Bar. It was his first trip overseas. Yesterday at 11.30 a.m. (Tas. time), he went into surgery to have shrapnel and glass removed from his body. His mother Jan and older brother were by his bedside.

``I spoke to him this morning but he couldn't speak very well for obvious reasons. But he sounded pretty positive,'' his father David said. ``Of course I am relieved, but I also feel very sorry for the other families whose sons did not come home.''

Stuart is expected to be in hospital in the Northern Territory for two to three days to recover from surgery and his father is hoping he will be home at the weekend. Stuart (23) had travelled to Bali with three friends from the University of Tasmania. Tim Hawkins and Ben Davis were with him at Paddy's Bar on Saturday night.

Mr Hawkins is still missing and Mr Davis was also injured. Mr Davis was flown from Darwin to St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne yesterday to have surgery on an infected hand. He also has burns and shrapnel in his leg. Richard Joyes did not go to the bar on the night of the explosion but was one of the first on the scene after the massive explosion as he frantically looked for his mates.

By early yesterday morning, 66 evacuees had been transported from Denpasar to Darwin and the four C130 Hercules aircraft provided by the Royal Australian Air Force had made a total of six trips between Indonesia and Australia. There were only eight people left in the Royal Darwin Hospital yesterday after many victims were flown to other capital cities.

The hospital has treated more than 60 of the victims, most of whom had burns. Two of the first 15 arrivals died.

HOPES of finding 28-year-old Hobart man Tim Hawkins alive are fading with his father and brother yesterday flying to Bali to begin an agonising search for him among the charred bodies in Balinese morgues.

Tim's brother, Stephen, and his father, Stephen Snr, flew to Darwin on Monday to search the hospitals in the hope Tim was one of the people not yet identified. But they found out while they were at Sydney airport that he was not. Their search now continues in Bali.

Tim was at Paddy's Bar in Bali with two Tasmanian friends, Stuart Anstee and Ben Davis, when it was bombed. His friends received burns and shrapnel injuries and are recovering in hospital. Their fourth holiday companion, former Launceston man Richard Joyes, was not at the bar because he was ill. He has spent the last few days searching for Tim.

Tim's uncle, Murray Hawkins, said he understood the three men were standing together in the club when the bomb exploded and Tim must have faced its full force. Murray said Stephen and his father flew to Bali yesterday afternoon to join Mr Joyes in the search for Tim.

``They're going to look at the bodies,'' Murray said. ``The only other slight glimmer of hope is that he's been shipped on to Brisbane or Perth.'' But that was unlikely because most of the injured transferred to either of those centres were from those states, he said.

Murray said Mr Davis and Tim had been travelling around Australia on a surfing holiday and Bali was supposed to be a two-week stopover with Mr Anstee and Mr Joyes before they headed back to Tasmania for Christmas with their families.

Murray said Tim had packed a lot into his 28 years and had done an apprenticeship as a carpenter before studying law. He said Tim had been admitted to the Tasmanian Bar and had a job starting next year with a Hobart law firm.

``Their idea was to have this holiday before getting into work. ``We were holding high hopes that he was going to have a good career in law,'' Murray said.