The solution to my problems involved both of the issues Tom identified. 1. Proc::Daemon::Init() call closed the libpq connection in the parent. Solution: deliberately close connection before call and open in the child after the call. 2. The status updates were being written inside a transaction Solution: open a second connection in the child process and use for the status updates to allow the monitor script to select them. -- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Glen and Rosanne Eustace, GodZone Internet Services, a division of AGRE Enterprises Ltd., P.O. Box 8020, Palmerston North, New Zealand 4446 Ph: +64 6 357 8168, Fax: +64 6 357 8165, Mob: +64 27 542 4015 "A Ministry specialising in providing low-cost professional Internet Services to NZ Christian Churches, Ministries and Organisations" -- Sent via pgsql-general mailing list (pgsql-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx) To make changes to your subscription: http://www.postgresql.org/mailpref/pgsql-general