MH370 search at 'critical juncture'

An underwater drone is continuing its Indian Ocean search for the Malaysia Airlines plane wreck. Source: AAP

THE effort to find missing flight MH370 is at a "very critical juncture", Malaysia's transport minister says as authorities mull whether to reassess a challenging search of the Indian Ocean seabed that has so far found nothing.

"The search for today and tomorrow is at a very critical juncture. So I appeal for everybody around the world to pray and pray hard that we find something to work on," Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said on Saturday.

The jet is believed to have crashed in deep and remote waters far off Western Australia.

But with no results from the multi-national search operation for the Boeing 777, which vanished on March 8 carrying 239 people, Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Thursday set a one-week deadline to locate the plane by mini-submarine.

The Australian-led search effort is relying on a single US Navy submersible sonar scanning device to scour an uncharted seabed at depths of around 4,500 metres or more.

Technical hitches, including the fact that the torpedo-shaped Bluefin-21 is operating at the extent of its depth limit, made for a slow start to the search.

Launched from an Australian naval vessel, the device has so far made six deep-sea scanning runs but has detected nothing.

"We have pursued every possible lead presented to us at this stage, and with every passing day the search has become more difficult," Hishammuddin, who is heading up the Malaysian government's response to MH370, told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

As the search and rescue effort expected to be the costliest in aviation history wears on, authorities have indicated alternative methods may be needed, including possibly deeper-diving devices.

Hishammuddin said adjustments "may include widening the scope of the search and utilising other assets that could be relevant in the search operation", but he stressed the search would not be abandoned.

Earlier on Saturday Australian officials said experts were analysing data relayed by the underwater drone on its sixth mission and it had embarked on its seventh.

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Brisbane lines up to greet royalty

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived in Brisbane to another strong crowd reception. Source: AAP

ONE could have been forgiven for thinking One Direction was in town.

Queenslanders haven't turned out to see a youthful royal couple woo a crowd since the early years of Charles and Diana's marriage some 31 years ago.

In true style, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge won the hearts of 10,000 people along the streets of Brisbane's South Bank precinct under a clear blue sky and 28C heat.

Adoring royal watchers offered flowers and soft toys for nine-month old Prince George, who was absent on the couple's fourth day in Australia.

In some areas, 20-deep crowds lined the streets and held up their mobile phones hoping for a glimpse of his glamorous parents.

Brenda Stephens, a 73-year-old former British Air Force nurse, was among those who shook hands with Prince William, a former RAF pilot, after an eight-hour wait in the sun.

"I've just had a triple bypass so it was really special to me to shake the Duke's hand," she told AAP.

"He's a very charming man."

The avid royal watcher also managed to see the couple from a front row vantage point, with tears in her eyes, despite passing out earlier in the day waiting for their arrival.

Even republicans were enthralled, with Agnes Delos Santos happy to wait hours.

"This is history ... their visit to Brisbane," she said.

Inside Brisbane's Convention and Exhibition Centre starstruck rugby league greats Johnathan Thurston and Jharal Yow Yeh nodded seriously as they briefly chatted with the duke.

But as Prince William moved to greet another dignitary, the beaming sporting heroes high-fived each other and fist-pumped like school boys.

In the same room, the youngest person to sail around the world solo, Jessica Watson, was impressed by the duchess.

"You feel like you know them, and they treat you like you do," she told AAP.

But not everyone was so welcoming, with a crowd of about 30 Aboriginal rights activists chanting "No treaty, no peace" and "Always was, always will be Aboriginal land" before police disbanded them.

Outgoing Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley and Premier Campbell Newman had dashed back to Brisbane from Amberley, near Ipswich, to greet the royal couple for the second time in a day.

Afterwards, as they walked outside, cheers and shrieks followed them as the royals made a street walk, stopping to chat to the old, young and everyone in between.

Sue Gillies was there with her daughters Rebecca Gillies, 27 and Jodie Taranto, 34 from 7.30 in the morning.

"It was worth it," Rebecca said.

"It would have been nice if they'd sent Harry."

The duchess needed an army of helpers to pass on the gifts handed over security barricades - everything from modest posies of carnations, to stuffed kangaroos, chocolate bunnies, and a soccer ball bearing a map of Australia.

After more than half an hour greeting the crowds, the royal couple then climbed into a car, bound for the airport and a full schedule of events in Sydney on Easter Sunday.

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NSW deaths push road toll to seven

THE nation's Easter road toll stands at seven following two fatal NSW collisions.

The latest death was that of a cyclist, killed instantly when struck by a car on Sydney's north shore on Saturday afternoon.

Police said the male driver of the Mercedes sedan was uninjured but had been taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.

Two-and-a-half hours earlier, a man was killed when his car and a truck collided in the state's north at Tyndale.

The deceased driver is yet to be identified, while the man behind the wheel of the truck and his passenger both suffered non life-threatening injuries and were taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and witnesses are urged to come forward. A report will also be prepared for the Coroner.

The deaths follow tragedies in Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland over the holiday period.

Three of the fatalities were on WA roads and involved young men aged 17-20.

A Chinese tourist was killed in Tasmania and a Queensland woman died after being struck by a car.

The 67-year-old woman died on the way to hospital on Thursday after she was hit by a station wagon while crossing the road in Beaudesert, south of Brisbane.

On Thursday afternoon, a 17-year-old boy died after being thrown from a car which rolled several times on the Gnaraloo-Quobba Road near the West Australian town of Carnarvon.

The East Carnarvon boy was taken to Carnarvon Regional Hospital but was unable to be revived.

Hours later, a 20-year-old man was killed when his Ford Falcon ute hit a tree on Collie-Williams Road near Collie.

His passenger, a 22-year-old man from Bunbury, was knocked unconscious and taken to hospital after a passing motorist pulled him from the burning wreckage.

On Thursday night, a 19-year-old Bruce Rock man died after his car hit a large tree near Bruce Rock east of Perth.

Also on Thursday, a 32-year-old Chinese tourist died following a head-on collision on a Tasmanian highway.

The woman from China was a passenger in a vehicle being driven by her 30-year-old husband.

Their Volkswagen hatchback collided with the Hyundai delivery van on the Bass Highway, west of Port Latta.

The couple were taken to the North West Regional Hospital, where the woman died. The man has undergone multiple surgeries and is in a serious condition.

(EDS: The Easter road toll figures are for the period 0001 April 17 to 2359 April 21)

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Off-duty policeman over the limit

AN off-duty policeman has been caught drink driving in Victoria.

The officer encountered a random breath testing site on the Old Princes Highway, at Beaconsfield in Melbourne's south-east, just after 8pm (AEST) on Friday.

The Leading Senior Constable is alleged to have recorded a blood alcohol level of .077 per cent, which is mid-range offence.

The officer was issued a penalty notice for $433, which also carries a loss of license for six months.

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Speeding man overtakes Vic police car

A YOUNG man in Australia on a student visa allegedly drove his hire car more than 150km/h on a Victorian highway in peak Easter holiday traffic.

Police say the Chinese man was observed overtaking a tourist bus and numerous cars, including an unmarked police car, at high speed on the Bass Highway on Friday afternoon.

He was intercepted by highway patrol officers just before 5pm (AEST) after driving in holiday traffic and in excess of the highway's 100km/h speed limit.

The 22-year-old allegedly told officers he was "running late to get to Phillip Island".

Police did not impound the vehicle as it was a hire car, however, the man is facing multiple charges including driving at a dangerous speed.

He will face court on a date to be set.

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Show stoppers for William and Kate

THE Duke of Cambridge picked up a tip for Halloween, the duchess shared one of Prince George's favourite meals, and they met a sheep with a special royal connection.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge got a taste of regional Australia on Friday in more ways than one when they visited Sydney's Royal Easter Show on Good Friday.

At the popular district exhibits display, the couple checked out the winning display, from the northern region, which might have been proud of its soft Alpaca wool.

But Kate commented on the fleece for other reasons.

"The princess said (the Duke) should put some on his head," said Lyn Cregan, 67, from Glen Innes.

"She pointed at him and said 'You need it more than me.' He laughed."

When Ms Cregan revealed she used hair lacquer on the pumpkins to give them extra shine, the Duke said he would try the trick next Halloween.

While admiring piles of root vegetables in the South East Queensland display, Kate told preserve maker Diana Lisle that George is particularly fond of sweet potatoes.

Hundreds watched the couple move through the hall, viewing exhibits from producers from across NSW. The displays are the largest of their kind in the world, with more than 10,000 fresh pieces of produce on display.

The couple tasted wild berry and macadamia nougat and chocolates, and scores of presents were pressed into their minders' arms, including half a dozen Easter eggs, baby clothes, fudge and tea.

A trolley was brought to cope with the flow as the crowds passed them books, Possum Magic and Peppa Pig toys, and bouquets.

The couple unveiled a plaque in the new Southee and Badgery Pavilion, home to the Show's arts and crafts, fashion and style and flower and garden displays.

Kate, a keen photographer, paid special attention to the pavilion's photography display.

She told Alison Renwick, former chair of the arts and crafts pavilion, that she enjoyed taking photos, and painting and drawing.

"She said she doesn't get much time for it anymore," Ms Renwick said.

But it was Cox Pavilion that seemed to hold special interest for William, who in March completed a University of Cambridge 10-week course in agricultural management.

There they met Fred the six-year-old ram, who had been taught to bow for the occasion, and watched shearers in action.

Wool from Fred's Merino fleece went into a suit that was presented to the Duke on the occasion of his wedding.

At the Wool for School exhibit, Kate met last year's winner, Sophie Aylward, from Kinross Wollaroi School in Orange, whose winning design was a blue woollen dress for the Duchess.

The couple were due to sign the Show's visitors book on leaving, but made time to receive posies on their way out.

They didn't, however, have time to pick up a Bertie Beetle showbag.

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Christians mark Good Friday in Jerusalem

The crucifixion of Jesus is being remembered in prayers and processions throughout Jerusalem. Source: AAP

LOCAL Christian Arabs and pilgrims from around the world have made their way down the cobbled Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, where Jesus is believed to have walked to his crucifixion.

Thousands of worshippers, some bearing wooden crosses, walked through the walled Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site where they believe Jesus was crucified and buried before rising from the dead three days later.

The city was also busy on Friday with Jewish worshippers celebrating the week-long festival of Passover, which commemorates the Exodus of the biblical Israelites from captivity in Egypt.

Israeli police meanwhile limited access to Jerusalem's flashpoint al-Aqsa mosque compound, fearing more unrest after days of clashes.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said men under the age of 50 were barred, but there were no restrictions on women.

Dozens of Palestinians were wounded in clashes with police at the site on Wednesday and Sunday after Jewish visitors were allowed onto the compound.

Jews believe the mosque compound is on the site of the first and second biblical temples, their holiest place, and refer to it as the Temple Mount.

Today the site hosts the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa mosques, and is the third holiest site in Islam.

It has frequently been a flashpoint in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Anti-Islamic leader charged after shooting

THE controversial anti-Islamic leader Nathan Abela has been charged with hindering the investigation into a shooting at his home in Sydney's west.

Officers were called to Cumberland Road in Greystanes just after 11pm on April 3 after shots were fired into a unit block.

The 24-year-old Abela claimed he had to duck for cover after someone knocked on his door and several shots were fired at his unit.

At the time, NSW police were investigating anti-Islamic comments the Australian Defence League (ADL) leader posted on Facebook.

On Thursday morning, police arrested Abela and charged him with hindering a police investigation.

He was also charged with entering enclosed lands and using a carriage service to menace or harass, relating to a separate incident.

After the April 3 shooting, a police spokesman said: "NSW Police respects the right to free speech but does not tolerate any offence that is motivated by hatred or prejudice against any group."

Police have a bias-motivated crimes unit that investigates hatred- and prejudice-driven offences.

After the Greystanes shooting, NSW Community Relations Commission chairman Vic Alhadeff called for calm.

"We urge all parties to take a deep breath and let good sense prevail," he said in a statement.

"This incident has the potential to cause serious disharmony, which is something all people of goodwill wish to avoid.

"There is no place for extremism of any kind in our society."

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Rihanna drops lawsuit

Rihanna has reportedly dropped a multimillion dollar lawsuit against her former accountants. Source: AAP

RIHANNA has reportedly dropped a multimillion dollar lawsuit against her former accountants.

The 26-year-old Disturbia singer sued financial institution Berdon LLP in 2012, accusing the company of grossly mismanaging her funds.

And according to the New York Daily News, the case is now closed, as Rihanna's lawyers informed Manhattan Federal Judge P Kevin Castel on Thursday she has settled out of court with the number crunchers.

The terms of the alleged settlement have not been revealed, but a source told the outlet the accounting firm was unwilling to shell out a penny to the singer.

A trial on the matter would have commenced May 12 and if it had gone forward, Rihanna would have been forced to testify in public.

TMZ previously reported Rihanna insisted she had $US11 million ($A11.78 million) in cash at the beginning of 2009, but an estimated $US9 million ($A9.64 million) of this money was mishandled.

But according to court documents obtained by Page Six last month, lawyers for one of the accountants named in the case accused Rihanna of being financially inept.

"Peter Gounis had no role or responsibility for how much money was made and/or spent," the filing reportedly read, noting her 2010 Last Girl on Earth Tour was a money pit.

"The tour was what she wanted, just as the exorbitant amount of expensive clothing and other purchases she squandered her money on were.

"At the end of her two-year spending spree she had rooms of shoes, clothing and jewellery and fond, if not hazy, memories of extravagant parties, but little cash."

Representatives for Rihanna and Berdon LLP have yet to address reports she chose to withdraw her lawsuit.

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NASA's moon-orbiting robot crashes

NASA'S robotic moon explorer, LADEE, is no more.

Flight controllers confirmed early on Friday that the moon-orbiting spacecraft crashed into the back side of the moon as planned.

Researchers believe LADEE likely vaporised upon contact because of its extreme orbiting speed of 3600 mph (5800 kph), possibly smacking into a mountain or side of a crater. No debris would have been left behind.

"It's bound to make a dent," project scientist Rick Elphic predicted on Thursday.

By Thursday evening, the spacecraft had been skimming the lunar surface at an incredibly low altitude of 300 feet (100m). Its orbit had been lowered on purpose last week to ensure a crash by Monday following an extraordinarily successful science mission.

LADEE - short for Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer - was launched in September from Virginia. It completed its primary 100-day science mission last month and was on overtime.

The extension had LADEE flying during this week's lunar eclipse; its instruments were not designed to endure such prolonged darkness and cold. But the small spacecraft survived - it's about the size of a vending machine - with just a couple pressure sensors acting up.

LADEE did not have enough fuel to remain in lunar orbit beyond mission's end and keep collecting science. So from the outset, NASA planned to crash the spacecraft into the back side of the moon, far from the Apollo artefacts left behind during the moonwalking days of 1969 to 1972.

During its mission, LADEE identified various components of the thin lunar atmosphere - neon, magnesium and titanium, among others - and studied the dusty veil surrounding the moon, created by all the surface particles kicked up by impacting micrometeorites.

"LADEE's science cup really overfloweth," Elphic said earlier this month.

"LADEE, by going to the moon, has actually allowed us to visit other worlds with similar tenuous atmospheres and dusty environments."

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Ford to sell Lincoln cars in China

FORD says it will sell high-end Lincoln cars in China for the first time later this year when it opens eight dealerships in seven cities.

Lincoln is a late comer to China's luxury car market, but Robert Parker, president of Lincoln China, said on Thursday the brand is being introduced after thorough research.

At Lincoln dealerships, Chinese customers will be greeted with a waterfall, considered auspicious, and their new Lincoln car will have a custom fragrance pleasing to Chinese noses, Parker said.

"The Chinese do not like the new car smell, so we change the smell," he said.

Lincoln cars sold in China also will have padded back seats because of China's higher expectations for back seat comfort, he said.

In the past year, China's government has renewed a perennial crackdown on corruption and ostentatious spending by officials, which has crimped spending on luxury goods.

Parker said he believes there is strong interest in Lincoln among Chinese luxury car consumers and that the company aims to open 60 dealerships in 50 Chinese cities and offer five models by 2016.

John Zeng, an analyst at LMC Automotive, said Lincoln will face an uphill battle in a crowded Chinese luxury car market dominated by European brands.

"Compared with German brands, they have a long way to catch up," Zeng said. "So for a brand like Lincoln, they need very competitive models to succeed in this market."

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Two Aussie films premiere at Cannes

A THRILLER pitting Australian star Guy Pearce against Hollywood heart-throb Robert Pattinson will premiere at Cannes alongside the latest effort from Rolf de Heer.

The premiere of the thriller has secured Animal Kingdom creator David Michod his first invitation to the prestigious international film festival, where The Rover will screen out of competition.

"David Michod has created an extraordinary film," Roadshow Films Managing Directed Joel Pearlman said in a statement on Thursday.

"We congratulate him, the producers, cast and crew on this incredible achievement."

Michod will be joined on the red carpet in Cannes by Pearce and Pattinson, best known for the Twilight movies but also recently showing his dramatic skills in David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis.

In his fourth visit to Cannes, de Heer will be showing the David Gulpilil collaboration Charlie's Country in Un Certain Regard, where he won the Special Jury Prize for Ten Canoes in 2006.

"As a great celebration of cinema, the Cannes Film Festival has historically been a wonderful launching pad into the world market for films I've directed," de Heer said in a statement.

"I'm consequently very pleased that Charlie's Country has been selected, because it means the film will be seen."

The Cannes Film Festival runs from May 14 to 25 and opens with Grace of Monaco, starring Nicole Kidman.

New Zealand director Jane Campion is heading the jury.

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It's a royal croc block for George

Prince George and the NT's crocodile George will not meet in Sydney due to quarantine restrictions. Source: AAP

THE royals aren't the only ones who cause a kerfuffle when travelling - it has proven so difficult to fly George the royal crocodile from Darwin to Sydney to meet his namesake that the two remain tragically separated by the tyranny of distance.

Young Prince George won't be accompanying his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, when they visit the Northern Territory next week.

That means he won't be able to meet his crocodile namesake at Crocasaurus Cove, named George after he hatched on December 12, the day the royal pregnancy was announced.

"We did try to get the crocodile George to meet Prince George in Sydney, but unfortunately quarantine regulations did not allow the crocodile to get into Taronga Zoo," Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles told reporters in Darwin on Tuesday.

"We don't know if there's any friendly political rivalry there, because I understand (NSW Premier) Barry O'Farrell is very keen for the bilby to be showcased to the royals, and the Territory wanted to showcase our crocs, because we do have the best and biggest crocodiles ... it's very unfortunate the crocodile won't get to meet the royals."

Flying crocodile George to Uluru to meet William and Kate is too logistically difficult, Mr Giles said.

Instead, the chief minister will take a group of nine secondary school students from around the NT for a half-hour meeting with the royal couple.

"This is an unreal opportunity," said Emma Kellaway, a year 12 student at Taminmin College.

"I'm very excited," said Tarra Brain, from Casuarina Senior College.

Grace Tozer, from Palmerston Senior College, wants to ask the duchess what it's like being swept up in the royal life despite not being born into it.

When teachers approached the family of Chevez Kirkman, from the remote community of Mutitjulu near Uluru, they weren't sure how they would react.

"We thought, oh jeez, some people still think of it as the invasion and all that, but when his father heard he'd been selected he was absolutely beside himself with excitement," Terry Brown, deputy principal of Nyangatjatjara College, told AAP.

The duke and duchess touch down in Yulara on Tuesday, and will present graduation certificates to students of the National Indigenous Training Academy before walking around Uluru.

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PM keen to get 2nd airport off the ground

Western Sydney residents want the federal government to hurry up and approve a second airport. Source: AAP

LADIES and gentlemen welcome to Sydney's Badgerys Creek Airport.

The federal government has ended decades of indecision about Sydney's second airport, confirming work will begin in 2016 at the site, 56km west of the CBD.

But please remain seated - flights aren't due to touch down until the mid-2020s.

"There's been decades of procrastination here so we do want to get cracking," Prime Minister Tony Abbott said.

Private sector investment will cover the $2.5 billion bill for construction, including a 2.5km runway through paddocks, while the commonwealth will pick up planning and design costs.

In its initial stages the government forecasts a "modest" operation with a single runway and mix of intra-state, interstate, international and cargo flights.

Billions of dollars and some 60,000 jobs are expected to flow from the airport development by 2060, which has the in-principle support of Labor.

"When we see the detail we will be out there examining it," opposition transport spokesman Anthony Albanese told Sky News, while offering support for the announcement.

But Mr Abbott faces possible internal party dissidence over his hints at a curfew-free airport.

"We deserve what's best for our community and I don't support a 24-hour airport," Western Sydney Liberal MP Fiona Scott said.

Community consultation will be a compulsory part of the planning process, with concerns about aircraft noise and air pollution already being voiced.

The operator of Sydney Airport has first dibs on running the new facility, with two years to confirm their interest.

"Let's hope that they have a look at this and don't beat around the bush but quickly decide," an eager Mr Abbott told Fairfax Radio.

If Sydney Airport declines, the government will swiftly approach the open market and is confident of attracting strong interest.

Sydney Airport acknowledged the announcement, but pointed to the need for improved transport links and fuel lines for the Badgerys Creek site.

"The government's approach will be roads first, airport second," Mr Abbott said, adding that light rail services would be a state government responsibility.

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell is expected to meet with the prime minister on Wednesday to reveal further details of transport upgrades for the region.

Infrastructure Minister Warren Truss told ABC TV he expects the NSW government will build a rail line offering improved service to Western Sydney.

"Perhaps there could be a station at Badgerys Creek in due course," he said, but added that a rail line to the airport in the early stages is unnecessary.

Caltex, which supplies fuel to Kingsford Smith Airport, has a pipeline which runs from Botany via Silverwater, nearby Badgerys Creek.

Airlines will decide which of the Sydney airports they will use.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce welcomed news of the "vital" facility for Sydney and Australia and hoped the airline will be involved in the planning process.

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Vic govt to consider IBAC changes

VICTORIA'S corruption watchdog could be beefed up after complaining it can't investigate some claims.

The Victorian government says it will consider changes to the integrity regime after the year-old watchdog called for stronger investigative powers.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) says there are cases where it has felt unable to investigate corruption claims because the allegations do not meet a high enough threshold under the legislation.

The IBAC also wants parliament to consider making it mandatory for heads of public sector bodies and local councils to notify it of corrupt conduct, as is already the case in other states.

The change should apply at the very least for more serious matters within the public sector, IBAC says.

Victorian Attorney-General Robert Clark said the government would carefully consider the various recommendations and suggestions made by IBAC.

In its report on its first year of operation, IBAC says it has been hamstrung by restrictions in the legislation which set it up.

"There have been corrupt conduct allegations where IBAC has not felt able to commence investigations because of threshold restrictions in the IBAC Act," IBAC says in the report released Tuesday.

Not all the cases were suitable to be referred elsewhere and this may have undermined its objectives, it says.

IBAC also wants powers to investigate misconduct in public office, as is the case under other Australian integrity regimes.

In addition, it flagged the need for stronger protection for whistleblowers.

The watchdog says there are cases where people who have disclosed information appear not to qualify for whistleblower protection and this may deter whistleblowers coming forward with valuable information.

Mr Clark said the government has made clear it will monitor the IBAC legislation and take into account feedback from the IBAC commissioner about amendments.

"The government will now carefully consider the various recommendations and suggestions made by IBAC," he said.

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Chinese pork firm execs get $US597m reward

CHINESE pork producer WH Group has issued shares worth $US597 million ($A636.02 million) to two of its executives as a reward for their contribution in the acquisition of US giant Smithfield Foods, a company filing shows.

WH Group, formerly known as Shuanghui International Holdings, is the world's largest pork producer, and the company is seeking a Hong Kong listing to raise more than $US5 billion in what would be the world's biggest initial public offering (IPO) for a year.

In a listing document published Tuesday on the WH Group website, the firm said chief executive and chairman Wan Long was issued 573.1 million shares last October.

Yang Zhijun, an executive director in charge of investment, mergers and acquisitions, was also issued 245.6 million shares in the same month, the document showed.

The allotment will give Wan and Yang an approximately 3.92 per cent and 1.68 per cent stake respectively in WH Group upon completion of the firm's IPO.

The company said the share awards, with an estimated fair value of $US597 million at grant date, were "to recognise and reward their contributions to the acquisition of Smithfield".

The share allotment to Wan and Yang, part of WH Group's $US639 million share-based payouts last year, had cut into the company's profits, leading to a loss of $US67 million in 2013 compared to $US468 million of profit in 2012.

In May last year WH Group, under the Shuanghui name, agreed to buy Smithfield Foods in a deal valuing Smithfield at $US7.1 billion, making it the largest-ever Chinese acquisition of a US company.

The pork firm could not be reached for comment but its chief financial officer Guo Lijun had told state media the one-off non-cash share awards would have no impact on its operational results after it went public.

Based in central China's Henan province, WH Group is involved in the production, slaughter and distribution of pork, a key ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It is also a shareholder of Spanish meat firm Campofrio Food, according to its website.

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Coca-Cola's profit dips

COCA-COLA'S first-quarter profit has fallen nearly eight per cent as the world's biggest beverage maker faced a stronger dollar and sold less soda.

But the company sold more of its non-carbonated drinks worldwide, and its earnings matched expectations.

The Atlanta-based company says global sales volume rose two per cent. In its flagship North American market, soda volume slipped 1 per cent as the company raised prices.

Coca-Cola, which also makes drinks including Sprite and Powerade, has been under pressure to deliver stronger results, particularly back at home where Americans have been cutting back on soda for years.

The company isn't alone in its struggles to boost soda sales. PepsiCo, which reports its earnings on Thursday, has seen even steeper declines in its soda business despite stepped-up marketing, including sponsorship of the Super Bowl half-time show.

Both companies sell a wide array of beverages, including sports drinks, bottled water and orange juice. But sodas remain a big part of their businesses, and they're scrambling to figure out ways to stop the declines.

To boost sales, the company plans slash costs and put the savings into marketing in the year ahead. It also introduced a version of its namesake soda sweetened with a mix of stevia and sugar in Argentina, with plans to eventually introduce the drink elsewhere.

For the quarter ended March 28, net income fell to $US1.62 billion ($A1.73 billion), or 36 US cents per share. That compares with net income of $US1.77 billion, or 39 US cents per share a year ago.

Excluding one-time items, net income totalled 44 US cents per share, matching analyst expectations.

Revenue fell four per cent to $US10.58 billion. Analysts expected $US10.5 billion. Companies like Coca-Cola that do a large portion of their business overseas take a hit to revenue when the dollar is strong, because foreign currencies convert back into fewer dollars.

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Warning over illegal used tyres

Experts have warned that motorists could be at risk after buying substandard tyres to save money. Source: AAP

EXPERTS have warned that more than a million motorists could be at risk of serious accidents and prosecution after buying substandard used tyres to save money.

New figures show 1.5 million drivers have purchased tyres illegal to use on the road in the UK in the past five years.

Police have responded by waging a campaign against drivers caught with defective tyres. The number of drivers pulled over for using illegal tyres has soared 9 per cent since 2009.

Officers can impose roadside penalties of up to STG100 ($A179) and three penalty points for each substandard tyre.

Despite the law saying used tyres must be stamped "part-worn" to prove that quality control and safety checks have been undertaken, only two out of five people who bought second-hand tyres found them to be appropriately marked.

Inadequate tread can cause skids and significantly increase a vehicle's stopping distance and fuel consumption, according to a report commissioned by insurers LV.

Of the 23 million used tyres sold since 2009, a quarter did not meet safety requirements. The number of trading standards investigations into part-worn tyre dealers has almost doubled in the past five years.

John O'Roarke, managing director of LV car insurance, said: "In the current economic climate, motorists are understandably looking to cut costs wherever they can and buying quality used tyres is one way to do this.

"Unfortunately some second-hand tyres sold do not meet the legal safety requirements and are not fit for the road, putting motorists at risk of a criminal conviction or worse."

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Greens call for Vic clean energy fund

The Greens want the Victorian government to start a clean energy fund to make solar panels cheaper. Source: AAP

THE Greens want the Victorian government to establish a state-based clean energy fund to make solar panels more affordable.

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne call for the creation of a Victorian Solar Fund to help homes and businesses deal with the upfront costs of solar panels.

Senator Milne said the fund would make money for the state and reduce power bills.

"Australia is a leader in solar science but is underinvested in solar power, depriving us of jobs that the community is calling out for," she said on Sunday.

"We can create the financial incentives to put solar panels on roofs, for no money down, delivering immediate savings on electricity bills."

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French tourist missing in western SA

A FRENCH woman has disappeared in a remote part of South Australia.

Aurelie Lhorme, 30, was last seen in her parked car near the Head of the Bight Whale Watching Centre, near the Nullabor Plain, on Saturday night.

Her car was found in the same site the following morning, however Ms Lhorme has not been seen since.

Police say they are concerned for her welfare as her mobile phone, wallet and passport were left in the car.

The search will resume on Monday morning.

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Bombings kill at least 16 people in Iraq

A CAR bomb has gone off in a commercial area of a restive northern Iraqi city, killing at least 10 people, while a separate bombing killed 6 people, officials say.

The explosives-laden parked car targeted a joint Iraqi army and police patrol while it passed through a busy commercial area in Mosul on Sunday, killing five civilians and five security personnel, a police officer said. He added that at least 12 other people were wounded in that blast.

A medical official confirmed the figures. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to release information.

Mosul is located about 360km northwest of Baghdad.

Hours earlier, a suicide car bomber drove his vehicle into a security checkpoint in the northern town of Dibis, killing six people and wounding 15 others, police chief Colonel Bestoon Rasheed said. He added that 15 other people were wounded in the attack.

Civilians were among the victims, but a breakdown of the casualties was not immediately available. The town is located near the city of Kirkuk, 290km north of Baghdad.

Violence has escalated in Iraq over the past year, with 2013 seeing the highest death toll since the worst sectarian bloodletting in 2007, according to the United Nations figures. More than 8800 people were killed in violence last year.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but suicide bombings and well-coordinated attacks are a hallmark of an al-Qaeda's breakaway branch that operates in Iraq, known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Sunni Insurgent groups have escalated attacks across the country since last year in bid to undermine the Shi'ite-led government.

The attacks happened just weeks before parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held on April 30. There will be no voting in parts of the western Anbar province, where security forces are clashing with Islamic militants and fighters who control the provincial capital, Ramadi, and nearly all of the nearby city of Fallujah.

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Second strong earthquake hits Solomons

ANOTHER powerful earthquake has struck the Solomon Islands, the second strong temblor of the day to hit the South Pacific country.

The magnitude 7.7 quake struck at 11.36pm local time on Sunday, with an epicentre 328km southeast of the capital Honiara and a depth of 20km, according to the US Geological Survey.

On Sunday morning, a magnitude 7.6 quake in the same area triggered large waves in the Solomon Islands.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from either quake.

Following the first earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre cancelled a tsunami warning after issuing an alert for some Pacific islands.

The Solomon Islands is still reeling from flash floods that struck on April 3, killing 23 people and leaving 9000 homeless.

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