ARAWATA BILL

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1929, Page 2

ARAWATA BILL

PROSPECTOR MISSING. “ Arawata ” Rill is missing and a search party is setting cut to find him in tlie almost impenetrable Aspiring district of South Westland. Rill O’Leary, to give him his proper names, was reported by telegram to Mr Samuel Turner, of Wellington, yesterday to he overdue (stated the “ Evening Rost”” of Saturday). “ Arawata Rill,” states Mr Turner, 11 is an old man and lie earned his name for his courageous explorations in the exceedingly rough country where the Arawata River takes its rise. Me usually sets out alone on his prospecting t rips carrying a 70!b swag and pick and shovel in addition. For long periods Bill will disappear into the wilds and turn up all sound and well afterwards.

Mr Turner, as an experienced alpinist, speaks with profound respect of the difficult character of the country into which Bill ventures. Mr Turner says: “He has a most romantic and interesting personality and everyone likes and respects him. Probably no' explorer in this country has ever been through the hardships suffered by Arawata Bill, who is a well-known personage in South Westland. I should think that it a search party is preparing to look for him that there is grave anxiety as to his whereabouts and condition, for. strong as he is, lie is well advamed in years.”