Dutch news in brief, 24 January 2006

Canadian hockey in The Hague

The open air ice rink (ijsbaan) on the Spuiplein in front of City Hall in The Hague will be the venue for public ‘pond hockey’ on Friday 27 January from 4-6pm. “Just bring your skates, sticks and gloves and your enthusiasm to the 2nd edition of Canadian Hockey Day,” the Canadian Embassy said in a press release. For people who want to take part, but who don’t have the appropriate equipment, the Embassy will provide the sticks and skates. “This is an opportunity to get some mild exercise and enjoy an informal setting while watching those whose passion for the sport often exceeds their ability,” the Embassy said. People interested in playing should contact Adriana Kramer
Public Affairs, Canadian Embassy, The Hague at telephone 070-311-1625, or email
[email protected].

Politician fined for leak

A court in Zwolle imposed a EUR 400 fine on the leader of the Socialist Party n the town of Raalte for leaking confidential information. Councillor Willy Lourenssen was informed by the mayor in a letter of golden handshake paid to a council employee. Lourenssen then raised questions about the issue during a public sitting of the council ever though he was not meant to divulge the details of the financial settlement.

Diver hurt retrieving cocaine

A man, 42, was injured in Rotterdam’s Eem Harbour last week while diving to retrieve cocaine. The drugs were hidden in a cylinder which was attached to the hull of a container ship. The diver and three other suspects were arrested, the Public Prosecutor’s Office said on Saturday.

Netherlands unimpressive in environmental league

The Netherlands has achieved an unimpressive score in comparison with other countries in terms of protecting the environment, according to a US study. The league table, compiled by Yale University and the Earth Institute of Columbia University, puts the Netherlands 27th, one place above the US. Points were awarded in the study for air and water quality, the health of the environment, biodiversity and use of renewal energy sources. The top five countries were New Zealand, Sweden, Finland, The Czech Republic and the UK.

Le Roi Lion bumps Lion King

Joop van den Ende Theatre Productions announced on Tuesday that the last performance of The Lion King in the Netherlands will take place on 27 August this year. Almost 1.4 million people have seen the show at the Circustheater in Scheveningen. A spokesperson for Van den Ende said it is likely The Lion King will have broken the record of 1.8 million visitors set by The Phantom Of The Opera. The Lion King is ending as the decors and costumes are being shipped to Paris, where the French version ‘Le Roi Lion’ begins in the coming autumn.

Subject: Dutch news