THE MISSING CLIMBERS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 September 1931, Page 6

THE MISSING CLIMBERS

the search continues. MANY HELPERS ARRIVE, (By Telegraph —Per Press Association) THE CHATEAU, September 1. Every possible effort is being made to find the missing alpinists and Wliakapapaii Valley is being literally combed. Search parties are working up and down the valley and across from both sides. They include members of Alpine and Tramping Clubs, experienced bushmen, and deer stalkers. All are racing against time in the hope that the party may have survived three nights in the open, and still be alive. The weather cleared to-day and the searchers are aided by perfect visibility Throughout the night the Chateau was the scene of great activity. As volunteers arrived, they were taken iuto the lounge and split up into parties of six each, with a leader. They were then given food and instructions, and set out between four and, five thirty his morning. No less than 208 men arrived and were sent off in this way. Of these men 108 arrived in twenty-one cars from Taumarunui. The other partie s included twenty four railway men and fifty volunteers from; Raeitihi, Ohakuno, U;tiku and, Pokaka. Another party of fifty consisting chiefly of Natives from Tokannu, who have an extensive knowledge of the bush is expected at the Chateau at noon to-day. Search parties are being capably organised by Mr J Cobbe, manager of the Chateau and Mr W. S. Rennie of Wanganui, the secretary of Ruapehu Ski Club and Sergt, Sivver of Taumaruni police. All possible assistance is being given by the guest s at the Chateau. Almost all men are out searching while the women are assisting in many ways. A number were up almost all night wash ing and drying the clothes of the search parties. Others are helping the Chateau staff to cope with the huge rush'of work. A number of guests and the staff are down with influenza and these are being nursed by volunteers from amongst the women guests. Captain Isitt flew over the area on the western slopes of the mountain for an hour but saw nothing. Wind conditions and air pockets at this height made flying very dangerous and lie is not going up again. Telk’ipboiie messages received from Wait'unß Prison at 1.45 a.lri. stated that another man was found near Wakatoke rnilwy viaduct. The messeng ~t{ 'ig* if, o the Chateau b\ .car with details. STORY OF RESCUE. •PLIGHT OF ADDIS. THE CHATEAU, September 1. The member of the missing party found is' Addis. He. is unable to walk and the party is leaving from Petersen’s mill, about three miles from where he was found, to bring him in on a bush stretcher. The pai’ty which found hin was from Taumarunui and consisted of R. Smith (leader), D. H. Hall, Mc’Cleary (Wellington), L. J. W. Aces, T. Crebbs, S. A. Maimer ing, L. Godfrey, B. E. Maud, D. Meredith, C. Lawn, D. Gastor and W. Campbell. The party went into the bush on the ' south side of Makatote viaduct, travelling in the bush above Makatote stream. Th'e party had been travelling from, two to two and a half hours when they heard some one shouting from Makatote stream, and about 300 feet below them. Some of the party went down and at 8.45 a.m. found Addis. His feet were frost-bitten and he was in an exhausted condition. When the search party found him, he said “Tell mother I’m .safe.” When asked where the other members of the missing party were, all he could say was—“ They’ve gone to the Chateau.’ Two parties from the Chateau are leaving immediately to travel furtner up Makatote as Addis, from Spooner’s story, had with Harris,, remained with the girls and it is considered probable that they may not be far from where he was found. It is expected it will take from flv c to .six hours to get Addis out. Another party of fifty searchers arrived at the Chateau from Taumarunui at noon. SNOW AGAIN FALLING. THE CHATEAU, September 1. Had weather has blown up again and heavy snow is falling, hampering the search parties.