STILL MISSING

Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1933, Page 5

STILL MISSING

FOUR TRAMPERS

SEARCH IN TARARUA RANGES.

(Per Press Association — Copyright.)

PALMERSTON NORTH, April, 22

There is still no word of the four trampers who have been missing • in. the Tararua Ranges since Saturday last. The weatiier conditions -are bad, and there was a storm sweeping the district last evening. The anxiety has been greatly increased, and the search is being intensified on both, sides of the ranges.

Another party of searchers left at mid-day.

The missing trampers set out to cross the Tararua Ranges last Saturday and have not since been; heard of. The members are: Miss M. Williams (Wanganui), Dr W. B. Sutctr (Palmerston. North), Messrs. E. Hill (Pamerston North), and B. ‘O’Keefe (Wellington). They left with the intention of penetrating into the ranges by the Ohau River towards Mount Holdsworth, and expected to come out on the Masterton side on Saturday or Monday,

They are now six. days out, and the weather has been very unfavourable. It is recalled that O'Kt'efe lmd & trying ordeal a few. weeks ago when lie became separated from Ids com* panions, who comprised practically the same party: ag thp present one, during a mist which capio up Budden-> ly on Mount Bannister, He .eventually reached the Masterton side and safety after several days and nights in the open. Wellington short wave operators are maintaining touch with the searchers for the missing Tararua trampers, whereof up to seven to-night, no sign had been reported.

A party of nine Wellington searchers could not reach the base owing to very bad weather. During the past three days the weather conditions on the Tararuas have, been,.unusually severe, there being strong winds, heavy rain, occasional hail, storms, 'and tens© low-lying clouds. A citizens’ search has taken active steps todayl td ‘ despatch seacli, parties into 'the -Tararuas in quest of the missing tranjpprs. A party, left . to-day. for J>lie .'Mefxq, Flats. Anotherj ' '.'setting:'opfr / tp-morpwl for the (ianfe place/.via p different' route, and On Tuesday a ‘-base damp* ig to bo established at the Flats. >•-

A "Wairarapa Tramping Chib party, which- set out;pir Saturday, for. the head xvatcra of' The Ruamahhogh 1 , River, were .blocked, -by' flood rivers.'; The weather last night was. Very cold, heavy rain falling, accompanied. The plight of the missing t'rampera must be serious..