Police interview judge

Press, 2 May 1981, Page 6

Police interview judge

PA Auckland The police have interviewed Mr Justice Mahon and counsel who assisted him during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Air New Zealand DCIO disaster on Mount Erebus, The three-man police team set up to investigate statements made by the judge in his 167-page report are expected to interview the widows of TE9ol’s pilots, Captain T. J. Collins, and First Officer G Cassin, soon. It is believed that the interview with Mrs Maria Collins may take place within the next few days because she intends to have a short holiday overseas soon.Mrs Shirley Cassin, who is a qualified pilot, has been told the police will wish to interview her. While the officers investigating Mr Justice Mahon’s statements have been ordered by the Police Commissioner, Mr R. J. Walton, not to make any comments, it is believed that they have spoken to Mr David Baragwanath and Mr Gary Harrison, the counsel assisting the Commission. The team has taken possession of all the notes of evidence and exhibits presented during the protracted hearing by Mr Justice Mahon.