Staff Reporters

Downings Legal has been established in Perth for more than 100 years. It is currently ranked 13th in the WA Business News Book of Lists list of law firms.

Proposed code: ECH Issue price: $0.20 Principal activities: Gold and base metals exploration.

Credit Suisse First Boston Australia Holdings Ltd became a substantial shareholder with a relevant interest of 7,374,772 ordinary shares (6.26%).

Intercorp Pty Ltd increased its relevant interest from 3,629,090 ordinary shares (8.9%) to 4,778,390 ordinary shares (11.7%).

Trans Global Trust increased its relevant interest from 7,842,927 ordinary shares (16.35%) to 8,992,927 ordinary shares (17.89%).

Has finalised a farm in and joint venture agreement with Great Gold Mines NL to explore for base metals (excluding nickel and cobalt) and rare metals including tantalum/niobium on the Erayinia Project

Has executed a formal agreement with Teck Cominco Australia Pty Ltd ("Teck Cominco") whereby (i) Teck Cominco will subscribe for $300,000 worth of Avoca shares at a price of 31 cents.

Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance chief executive officer Joan Fitzpatrick, Bateman Chapman (Australia) managing director Bill Green, Commercial QBE Insurance (Australia) g

PREMIER Geoff Gallop renewed calls for an investigation into a transcontinental natural gas pipeline in an address to the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association conference, which

REB Design has appointed Pete McDonald to the position of art director.

You're at a big networking event. Hundreds of people, hundreds of prospects. You're armed with business cards, incredible product knowledge and, if you must say so yourself, looking sharp.

Lonmin Australia Pty Ltd ceased to be a substantial shareholder.

Queste Communications Ltd became a substantial shareholder with a relevant interest of 3,159,668 ordinary shares (6.447%).

Cleveland Cliffs Australia Pty Ltd increased its relevant interest from 124,824,019 ordinary shares (71.34%) to 125,448,399 ordinary shares (71.4004%).

Has secured patent protection in China until 2020.

Response to ASX Query.

To report fuel ethanol delivered for home consumption. http://ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/55169.htm Published: April 4 2005

Israel Trade Commissioner Nili Shalev to speak at the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce Innovation Series 2005 Major Business Lunch, May 5 at the Hyatt Regency Perth.

Vasse Newtown has broken its own sales record with 145 lots selling in seven and a half hours, and more than 100 people camping overnight to secure their blocks, according to orga

Winston Tran has been appointed as valuations manager at Agnello Property Valuations. Mr Tran has valuation experience in both Perth and NSW.

SURFWEAR retailer Optima expects strong US summer sales after securing distribution through the Jacks US retail group.

Code: AII Issue price: $0.25 Principal activities: Base metal explorer.

Billiva Pty Ltd became a substantial shareholder with a relevant interest of 4,489,969 ordinary shares (5.58%).

AMP Ltd became a substantial shareholder with a relevant interest of 9,009,800 ordinary shares (5.13%).

CVC Ltd increased its relevant interest from 12,271,915 ordinary shares (13.65%) to 15,745,019 ordinary shares (16.76%).

Has signed a Mines Operating Agreement over the former Pinut-an Gold Mine and surrounding areas on Panaon Island with Vulcan Industrial and Mining Corporation.

Alinta Ltd Annual General Meeting will be held at the Novotel Langley Hotel, 221 Adelaide Terrace, Perth on Tuesday 10 May at 2.00pm Australian Cancer Technology Ltd

A design company, a maker of nibbly nuts and a major health campus were among the city area finalists in the PVS Employer of the Year awards decided this week.

FIVE small Western Australian companies have received Federal Government grants worth $7.5 million to turn innovative ideas into real products and services.

Gunson Resources has appointed Miranda Conti as company secretary. Ms Conti was formerly company secretary at iiNet and replaces Darryl Edwards, who leaves after three years with the company.

SALGAS director Andy Bowler to present Oil and Gas Pipeline Economies training course for IIR Conferences, April 18 to 20 at the Mercure Hotel.

Alan Davis Group Pty Ltd ceased to be a substantial shareholder.