ALPINE GUIDES

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1931, Page 7

ALPINE GUIDES

LEGISLATION PROMISED. Mr i\ D. Burnett, M.P., asked the Minister of Tourist itesort (Mr P. A. de la Perrelle) the following question in July 2. If in the fact of the increasing, number ot accidents, fatal and otherwise, in the high alps and foothills does he intend to give legislative effect to the recommendations passed last September at a conference of alpine and mou n tain clubs convened by the Minister himself? Note: The conference passed the following resolutions: “I. This conference is of the opinion that action should be taken to organise a system of licensing alpine guides. 2. That it shall lie illegal for any person to employ an unlicensed guide.” The reply of the Minister is that legislation will be introduced this session. Alpine climbers and the guides themselves have been very definitely in favour of some scheme of licensing guides and the Minister’s reply to Mr T. D. Burnett will be welcomed.'The scheme proposed by Mr Arthur Harper (president ctf the New Zealand AlpinChib) was accepted by the Conference held in September last. It provides for the establishment of a Voluntary board of two amateur expert climbers nominated by the New Zealand Alpine Club and Federated Mountain Clubs and two first class qualified professional guides with on representative of the department. This board to power to classify expeditions, first, second and third class licenses, which will entitle the holders o guide parties on the class of expedition covered by the licence. It also provides for the training of guides by permitting a lessc-r qualified guide to act with a senior guide.on the more difficult climbs. It is felt to be time that some legislative powers of control shoTild be' given on these lines, as alpine accidents have been too prevalent. It is to be boned, therefore, that the Minister will fulfil his promise to pass the legislation necessary to allow this scheme to op-rate next climbing season.