running.

Compared with the same period in 1991, the week to December 6 this year showed a 2.6 percent increase in air visitor arrivals.

Every week since mid-October has been an improvement on last year.

But the total number of visitors arriving by air so far this year is 2.8 percent down on 1991.

The rate of inflation remained fairly steady throughout September and October, a three precent rise on the same months last year.

Over the period from the end of September to the end of October that average rise was just 0.1 percent.

Rents, tobacco and liquor, fuel and power and household appliances and services reflected that percentage increase.

There were decreases in food and education, recreation and reading, while transport and vehicles remained unchanged. Clothing and personal care all rose by 0.2 percent.