FINN (COM) Daily Record: 01 December 2003

Compiled by J. Brock (FINN)

The Australian Eastern Market Indicator eased a cent on Tuesday, drifted another two cents on Wednesday and remained unchanged on Thursday. The EMI thus closed the week down three cents at 778 A cents. "The Australian market drifted nowhere in particular this week, losing 3 Australian cents per kg clean and maintaining the recent pattern of firming on the last selling day. At 778 Australian cents per kg clean, the Wool Exchange’s Eastern Market Indicator continues to flounder around levels of two years ago. The Australian dollar is still touching six-year highs against the US dollar. Newcastle selections were of mixed quality on the opening day in Sydney but improved as the week went on. Biella interests were active. Elsewhere China was in the market again. Generally enquiries and positions on all fronts relate to pre-recess shipping times. Little forward business is being written." WRWMR Australian pass-ins ran at 12 percent of the 54,500 bales offered.

In New Zealand the one percent stronger currency versus the US dollar caused prices to ease again. The Strong Indicator lost 10 cents to close at 386 NZ cents. 10% of the 13,683 bales were passed-in.

The Cape Wools Overall Merino Indicator lost 3.3 percent dropping from 2,874 SA cents to 2,778 SA cents. "The rand has gained 6% in two weeks, hitting the entire industry, particularly primary processors as the value of wool in stock declines continuously." WRWMR

The British sale saw over 75 percent cleared with the indicator easing 2 pence to 80 /kg greasy.

This week the Australian dollar was trading at around A$2.36/£. The New Zealand dollar was again trading at around NZ$2.66/£.

"The euro stormed to a record high against the US dollar on Friday, rattling European stock markets amid fears that its surge could cut short the fragile export led recovery in the eurozone. The rise took the euro to $1.2015, its highest level since its launch in January 1999, before it slipped to $1.988 in sparse trading. Traders said its gains came as mounting concern over the US current account deficit, fears of trade disputes (EU, China) and geopolitical jitters weighed on the dollar. The latest stumble, which took the dollar to five-year lows against sterling and a near seven-year low against a trade-weighted basket of currencies, came despite optimistic US economic data." FT

Enquiries continue, including for the Far East.

Many thanks for all bale specifications received lately.

With Regards

Robert

The Norwegian Crown will call in to Stanley on the 5th December 2003. ETA 1000hrs anchoring in Port William, ETD 1600hrs . There are 979 passengers on board. Nationality mainly USA 542, German 69, Switzerland 66 and 47 Mexican. Shore Excursions are being arranged by FITT.

The MS Andrea will call in to Stanley on the 6th December 2003. There are 65 passengers onboard. She will berth at FIPASS ETA 0700hrs. There is a 2 hour Stanley Tour organised for all passengers starting at 0900hrs-1100hrs finishing at the Jetty Visitors Centre. ETD to be advised.

Kind regards

Debbie

Debbie Summers

MINISTER AND FLIGHTS:

Bill Rammell (BR), Under Secretary of State for Overseas Territories, has stated that charter flights to the Islands are continuing despite fears that Argentina could block them, cutting off a vital link for the cruise ship industry. Mr. Rammell spoke to News Direct at Government House during his first visit to an Overseas Territory. And, here’s what he had to say about flights.

BR: I understand the Islanders’ concern about direct flights to Argentina and I think it’s clear there is a meeting of minds between Island Councillors and myself on behalf of the UK Government about any future arrangements concerning air links must have the support of the Islanders.

SG: There’s a fear that Argentina may intervene to stop charter flights travelling between Chile and the Islands and it’s in their power to do that without any input from the Islanders or from the British Government. What can you do and what have you been doing to tru and keep the charter flights going?

BR: We have regular and on-going diplomatic contact with the Argentines Government and this is an issue that we are discussing. I do understand the concerns of the Falkland Islanders. Any future arrangements concerning air links, I think, have got to have the support of the Islanders. On a separate but related issue, there is a need for a second scheduled flight from Chile. I know that commercial negotiations are at an advanced stage between the Islanders and LanChile.

SG: What’s your understanding of the current situation on charter flights? Just because it’s something that seems to change almost from day to day and week to week. We hear reports in Clarin that certain flights have been allowed and others haven’t, that they are going to stop next year, or carry on. What’s the current situation?

BR: The current situation is the charter flights are continuing at the moment. That is something that we want to happen and we are, as I say, through our regular contacts with the Argentine Government, continuing to discuss this issue.

BATTLE DAY PROGRAMME:

The programme has been announced for Battle Day next Monday, the 8^th of December. A memorial service will be held at the Cathedral from 0945, with H. E. the Governor, Commander British Forces, and detachments from the Royal Navy and FIDF. The detachments will then march to the Battle Memorial, where H. E. the Governor will inspect the parade and lay a wreath. There will be a fly-past at 1110. Members of the public who would like to attend the ceremony are asked to be there no later than 1050 AM.

SPORTS DAY:

Hardy visitors braved the chilly weather to enjoy Saturday’s Sports Association Fun Day held at the racecourse. Organisers say the day was a great success, largely thanks to the efforts of the emergency services and Military groups who put on displays for the crowds. JSEOD gave BV rides and simulated minefield searches and the Fire and Rescue service offered rides in their fire engine. The RAF Dog Section also turned out with two dogs for an obedience display and a demonstration of apprehending a wanted man after a shoot-out. The Sea King Helicopter from 78 Squadron winched 2 FIDF Members on to the hills south of the racecourse before FIDF carried on with a simulated section attack. The Vincents then took over the course for the kids’ races. Organisers offer their thanks to everyone who helped out and to those who turned up.

DEATH:

There is sad news today of the death of William Morrison on Sunday Morning. Mr. Morrison died after a short stay in Hospital in Devon. Born in 1911, he was one of the eldest of a large family, known for his love of horse racing, for which he won many prizes. Until recently, he had spent summers in the Falklands, returning to the UK for summer there. He leaves behind in England, son Terrance and daughter Betty and, in New Zealand, Daughter Marina and son, John.

FALKLANDS ISLAND TRIP:

The Professor Moltinofski has finished a 9 – day Falklands Odyssey Cruise, which took in the highlights with many islands as possible with 26 passengers onboard. I caught up with Expedition Leader, Anna Sutcliffe (AS) on Saturday to find out how the trip went.

AS: We were fairly tested by the Falklands weather and by the end of the trip we were really tired. And, as John Smith said last night, it’s a trip of "how manys" – how many islands can we land on, how many times can we get hailed upon, and how many friends can you meet. We went to Bleaker first and then to Sea Lion Island and we then went to Beaver, Staats, and Tea Islands, New Island and West Point and we tried really, really hard to get to Steeple Jason but it was absolutely howling out there. We then cut and ran to Saunders and then to Kepple Island and were lead around by David Pole-Evans and Biffo and Rob Yessel and John Smith, of course. And then, we took David and his family back to the old settlement and we had a brief landing there and stood underneath the flag. I have to say that all us Falkland Islands people being on with people from outside has really made a huge difference. People really could talk and compare notes and ask.

We trundled over to Manybranch and went through the Gap accompanied by 14 Dolphins. We saw Rockhopper Penguins, Black-browed Albatross, Rock Shags and King Cormorants. Everywhere we went we saw super wildlife. There were a lot of young people on the staff who asked why we fought a war for the Islands. Now they are really pleased they got to the Falklands.

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