Erebus report action sought

Press, 12 May 1981, Page 3

Erebus report action sought

PA Auckland An Air New Zealand employee who lost more than most in the Mount Erebus crash is calling for quick discipline, and an end to the company’s turmoil. Mr Tonci Marinovic, a senior purser with the airline, lost his wife, Sue, in the crash. Mrs Marinovic was one of the best known hostesses in Air New Zealand, and a leading organiser of the 1979 project to send handicapped children to Disneyland. Mr Marinovic said yesterday: “For heaven’s sake, let’s stop dragging on this debate about the accident. “Blood has to be spilt, and I think it should be done immediately, the way the Americans do. The blameworthy should be fired. “Then- let’s get on with running an airline, and a good one. “I’m talking for hundreds of others in the airline. We just want to get it over with and make a fresh start.’’ Mr Marinovic said New Zealand could not afford the

constant publicity and argument which followed Mr Justice Mahon's report. “People don't realise how seriously it hurts the airline, and what hurts the airline hurts the country.” Mr Marinovic said that despite the prevailing gloom in the airline, he had noticed a feeling among staff that they just wanted to work hard to pull the company out of its troubles. Air New Zealand’s board began sitting yesterday for the first time since appointing Mr John Wisdom as acting chief executive on Wednesday.

It was expected to discuss the questions put to the company by the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) and the business of two committees set up to look into the airline's affairs.

Air New Zealand yesterday refused to comment on the ■ action of First Officer Peter Rhodes, who said he was pulling out of air safety work because of obstructions from the airline.