By D. Arul Rajoo

Premier John Brumby has poured cold water on a push to merge Victoria's multiple
firefighting services.

The federal government will offer cash grants to those affected by floods on the NSW
mid-north coast and loans to assist businesses.

Australian personnel sent to help out in the earthquake-devastated region of Padang
in Indonesia are returning home after completing their work.

The Oceanic Viking has been granted approval to remain in Indonesian waters for
another week, avoiding another possible showdown for its boatload of 78 asylum
seekers.

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in paras 4, 9: ADDS new information from para 10)
SEOUL, Oct. 30 (Yonhap) -- An 82-year-old woman infected with the Influenza A

By Kim Hyun
SEOUL, Oct. 30 (Yonhap) -- North Korea emphasized Friday that no Influenza A
(H1N1) cases have been reported in the country and that thorough quarantine

.

.

SEOUL, Oct. 30 (Yonhap) -- More than six out of 10 marriage immigrants here
expressed satisfaction at living in South Korea, a poll showed Friday.