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Visiting ?╟ sultans of swing?╟╓ go into hiding SYDNEY: Dire Straits, one of the hottest properties in the reek world, has gone into hiding. The British ?╟úsultans of swing?╟Ñ slipped quietly into Sydney yesterday for a three-month tour of Australia and were whisked by limousine to the plush Sebel Townhouse. Early today, staff at the hotel were unable to confirm whether the band was still there. According to staff, the band left the hotel yesterday and has not been seen since. Staff confirmed that two rooms still were booked in the band's name, but would not say whether they were occupied. House? It is believed Dire Straits members left the hotel and are staying in a beach-side holiday house on the North Shore, where they are ?╟úlimbering up?╟Ñ for the group?╟╓s first concerts in Hobart. The low profile the band has kept since arriving in Sydney is in keeping with its reputation of being publicity-shy. The band will start its 60-concert Australian tour in riobmr <w February 7. Dire Straits is expected >w umk* 925iuillivn from the tour. Scalpers already are asking more than $300 for the $23 tickets. Fine ?╟÷ 30deg. Brisbane wiH be fine today, according te tbe Weather Bureau. A spokesman forecast Brisbane would reach a maximum of 30deg., with light to moderate winds and similar conditions on the Gold Coast. He said the Sunshine Coast would be mainly fine with the chance of a few showers this morning. Moreton Bay seas would be choppy with waves to 1m and 10 to 15 knot south-east to north-east winds. Dancers Diane Davidson, left, and Leanne Oxnam take a break be-tween presentations ol ?╟úStarz?╟Ñ ?╟÷ a glittering musical fantasy playing at Conrad International Hotel, on the Gold Coast. ?╟úStarz?╟Ñ opened last Wednesday and Is scheduled to run until October. It Is said to be the most elaborate production staged In Australia. More than 400 costumes, covering a span of 400 years, are used In the show Queensland Labor MHRs plan a major campaign against the State Government over the Mrs X row when Federal Parliament resumes on February 11. The Labor MHR for Rankin, Mr Beddall, said today he was drawing up a strategy to highlight the funds controversy in Federal Parliament. Mr Beddall indicated he also would consider having the matter referred to the National Crimes Authority and would seek support from Queensland Liberal senators Cheaper flights ?╟ a reality?╟╓ East-West Airlines' proposed coastal services weald definitely become a reality, the Premier, Sir deb Bjeike-Petersen, said today. Sir Joh said he planned to announce details of the East-West proposals later this week and there was nothing the Federal Government could do to stop the services going ahead. He would not say when the new discount services were likely to begin, but senior State Government sources said the services might be in operation by the middle of the year. The Premier did not think there was anything the State Government had to discuss about the routes with Trans Australia Airlines following State Cabinet?╟╓s support of East-West?╟╓s application to compete for Queensland's coastal air routes. Labor MHR in new move for a Senate select committee inquiry. He intended to speak out in the House of Representatives and hoped parliamentary colleagues would back his campaign. Federal Parliament resumes a week before the start of the new" session of the Queensland Parliament. Mr Beddall said that if the Queensland Government ?╟úswept the funds controversy under the carpet?╟Ñ there should be some way. an investigation could be held. ?╟úSuperficially, there appear to be grounds to refer it to the crimes authority. If the Queensland Parliament abdicates its responsibilities, the national Parliament should take than up,?╟Ñ he said. ?╟úI?╟╓ll be having'discussions in Canberra with tne senators and fressuring the Liberal senators, t's something we should pursue.?╟Ñ Mr Beddall said the Federal ALP might be hindered from discussing the matter if any charges were laid before Parliament resumed. However, he planned to question the State Government?╟╓s handling of the issue. The Prenper, Sir Joh Bjelke-Pet-ersen, said today he was sick of hearing about Senate committees and brushed aside Mr Beddall?╟╓s call for an inquiry. Sir Joh said he expected to hear this week how the Auditor-General?╟╓s investigation of the Arts Department was proceeding, although there was nothing he could do. 1984 TOYOTA HI LUX 4WD EXTRA CAB AIR CONDITIONING $13,9951 Search for armed-man IneiBT Police today wore searching for a man dressed in army greens, with his face blackened and carrying a rifle near New Farm Park. An extensive spotlight search was made of the park early today, following two sightings of the man. A spokesman said today police would be ?╟úon the alert?╟Ñ in the park, where Australia Day celebrations were to get underway at 9am. The police spokesman said two different sightings were made today by security guards at 3am and 4am. ?╟úOne of the guards saw him run from near the bowls club, which is opposite the park, into the park,?╟Ñ he said. ?╟úA spotlight search was conducted on both occasions, the last until dawn. DRIVER FACES 8 COUNTS A man, 32, was expected to appear in court today charged with attempted murder after a high-speed chase through Brisbane last night in which five police cars were damaged. The man, a truck driver, was to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on eight charges ?╟÷ two disqualified driving, four dangerous driving, one drink driving and the attempted murder charge. He was expected to face two disqualified driving charges in the Holland Park Magistrates Court tomorrow. A police spokesman said today a police officer involved in the chase, which involved 15 po- lice cars, ?╟úwas lucky to escape without injury or death?╟Ñ. The spokesman said the man was driving an eight-tonne Hino fiatback. More than $15,000 damage was caused to five police cars. Police said the man tried to ram his truck through a massive roadblock in Petrie Terrace, less than 100m from the police depot. The truck eventually was stopped after police shot out a front tyre and the dual wheels on one side at the rear. The truck was hit by several bullets. The windscreen also was broken. The chase began about 6pm when the man?╟╓s truck was stopped by a mobile patrol on Ipswich Road, Annerley. Opposition police spokesman, Mr Mackenroth, said today the Police Minister, Mr Glasson, should order an immediate inquiry into the use of firearms during the police chase. Police needed to exercise extreme caution during highspeed chases and when using firearms, he said. TELEGRAPH. MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 1986