During the first six days after the accident I was at the crash
site at all times when the site was occupied.

In regard to evidence reported in the Christchurch Press today, 5
Dec 1980, I can state unequivocally that:

(1) Captain Gemmell did not spend any time inspecting the aircraft
without other people being present.

(2) Captain Collins flight bag was found by me the day after the
crash, this being three days before any Air N.Z. personnel or crash
investigators reached the site. My recollection is that it was
empty when I first inspected it. It certainly contained no diaries
or briefing material.

(3) Captain Gemmell did not remove any items from the persons of
deceased lying in the area...."

Counsel proceeded to read from the letter which goes on to refer to
instructions concerning the crevassed area of the ice-slope.

No challenge was made to the views expressed by Mr Woodford nor was he
called to give evidence. And no evidence to any contrary effect was
given by anybody. Yet apart from the passing reference to the matter in
paragraph 349 of the Report the point of view Mr Woodford expressed
seems to have been given no attention. The extent of the evidence which
could have been given by Mr Woodford if he had been called as a witness
is indicated by his affidavit now put before this Court. The importance
of the letter seems obvious. The bag being empty when it was seen only
18 hours after the aircraft had crashed it is difficult to understand