ALPINE PRECAUTIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 September 1931, Page 6

ALPINE PRECAUTIONS

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER. (By Telegraph —Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, .September 2. Pointing to the occurrence at Ruapehu as an illustration a deputation of New Zealand Alpine Club and Federation of Mountain Clubs brought before the Premier this morning the urgent necessity of legislation to systematise Alpine climbing. In Introducing the deputation Mr Burnett M.P., said the facilities for Alpine climbing were now so vide that _any.bQ.dy Jbhe mountains and many people, were incapable of looking after themselves. Safeguards •were absolutely essential. Mr. Harper (President of the Alpine Club) pointed out that as long ago as 1020 he had urged the framing of regulations to ensure that no person •should be employed as an Alpine guide who was not fully qualified, and that before any Alpine resort was leased to a private Company it was necessary that some control should be maintained over the employment of* suitable persons as guides above the snowline. He had also submitted to the Government a detailed proposal based on practice in Switzerland for fifty years, but ,no action had oeen taken. Similar representations made in 1926 and 1927 we're without result but eventually last year the Minister of Tourist Resorts had convened a conference of interested parties at which unanimous resolutions were carried that action should be taken to organise a system of licensing guides and that nb one be allowed to act without a license and that a Licensing Board be set up. A general scheme was drawn up and approved, but he had been informed it was unlikely that action would be taken this session. } Hon. G. Forbes replying to the deputation said he recognised the matter required attention and he would confer with the Minister of Internal Affairs and see how far the proposed legislation had lljaen prepared. He would do his best to see a Bill ivas brought before Parliament as soon as possible this session. It might be possible to bring it down in the next few days. ■ ■