10 years ago - The Times
Monday, June 23, 2008
Children are heavy drinkers, but no drunks
Maltese 13- and 15-year-olds drink their European and North American counterparts under the table with the exception of Ukraine, which holds the title for top guzzlers, an international report reveals. Just over a quarter of boys (28 per cent) and 21 per cent of girls aged 13 drink alcohol at least once a week, a habit that nearly doubles among 15-year-olds, where 51 per cent of boys and 39 per cent girls indulge in weekly consumption. These figures emerge from the latest Health Behaviour of School-Aged Children Study, which is carried out in Europe and North America every four years. A sample of 1,500 students was taken from each age group for the study that was conducted in 2006.
Higher petrol, diesel prices
Diesel will be more costly today as Enemalta hikes the price by €0.103, the third increase in three months. Though the price now stands at €1.206 per litre, it remains the second lowest in Europe, with the EU average price surpassing €1.40. The price of unleaded and lead replacement petrol will also go up by €0.107, reaching €1.197 and €1.267 respectively, making Malta’s price the eighth lowest in Europe. The price of paraffin has also increased by €0.119 to €1.296.
25 years ago - The Times
Wednesday, June 23, 1993
EC leaders promise ‘rapid’ study of Malta’s application
European Community leaders yesterday welcomed the EC Commission’s intention to present shortly its opinions on the membership applications by Malta and Cyprus, and promised these would be rapidly examined by the Council of Ministers. Foreign Minister Guido de Marco described the document by the EC leaders as “another step towards membership”.
Parish priests’ proposals to improve village feasts
The College of Parish Priests asked the civil authorities for greater collaboration in the holding of village feasts. In a report they suggested club committees should be held responsible for any incidents that may occur during a feast. Also on the parish priests’ complaints list is the introduction of new statues of saints carried during band marches. Dancing about with the titular statue, delays in concluding external activities and gold offerings were among the “bad signs” identified by the college. Such activities “ridiculed what we should consider holy”. Feasts had some pagan and sinful aspects arising from rivalry, fighting, exaggerated drinking, fireworks and street decorations, it added.
Half a century ago - Sunday Times of Malta
Sunday, June 23, 1968
Port strike crippling trade
The port workers’ strike called on Tuesday in protest against the unloading of cement from a cargo vessel by port workers (burdnara) who do not belong to the cement group is gradually crippling the island’s import and export trade. Many industrialists commented yesterday that if the strike were to remain in force for long there would be serious repercussions on the island’s economy.
A statement issued last night by the Department of Information said that the Minister of Labour Employment and Welfare V. Tabone had submitted proposals for the consideration of the parties and in anticipation of agreement the minister urged that the strike be called off.
Seven cargo vessels have left Malta because of the strike. The Israeli cargo vessel Rachel, which arrived on Tuesday before the strike was called, left yesterday without unloading a consignment of general cargo. The Elazig, scheduled to call last Friday to load about 300 tons of cargo for New York, bypassed Malta. Phoenix Textile Industries Ltd of Mosta had to ship £20,000 worth of cotton yarn on this vessel. It also has £100,000 worth of cotton yarn lying on lighters at Marsa ready for shipment on the 27 Majis, which is still in harbour.
International Fibres Ltd also have a consignment of nylon to load on the 27 Majis.