Timaru Courier

Christchurch people fleeing their earthquake-stricken city now comprise about 20% of Timaru's population, with an estimated 7000 evacuees pouring into the district in the past week.

The Judicial Control Authority yesterday reserved its decision on a serious misconduct charge against Pukekohe trainer Richard Collett.

A Timaru driving instructor says changing the driving age will not reduce the number of serious road accidents - it is people's attitude to driving that needs to change.

The South Canterbury Multiple Sclerosis Society is blaming the economic downturn for its decision to put its Timaru premises up for sale or lease.

Timaru Hospital's plan to introduce a part-charge for physiotherapy patients to offset a reduction in ACC funding has been put on hold at the request of the Ministry of Health.

Timaru's alternative education provider desperately needs more funding if it is to give pupils excluded from mainstream education what they need, director Richie Waa, of Timaru, says.

A Waimate man is "peeved off" with the medical system, saying doctors are not proactive enough in contacting men and getting them to go for a prostate cancer check.

At 75 years old, the "grand lady" still has it, pulling a big crowd on Sunday.

The family of one of two men missing after a boating tragedy on Lake Tekapo is praying they have survived.

South Canterbury's rural fire chief is poised to impose fire restrictions as the region faces the prospect of its driest summer in five years.