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Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1933, Page 4

The tragic ending feared in connection with the missing aeroplane,' was confirmed unhappily by the finding of the wrecked machine and the dead occupants by a baud of willing searchers yesterday afternoon. The earlier

feeling of general regret and concern in connection with tile sad event was intensified manyfold whell' hopes were confounded, and all doubts set at rest. The sudden happening brought out a wave of spontaneous action in the desire to help, or do something to mitigate the possible consequences. The celerity with which the search was undertaken by a large company of people is in keeping with the best traditions. To-day an even j larger band is assisting in the s ame I voluntary spirit and desire to help in bringing in the bodies of the victims. This very • human touch in itself does something to lighten the gloom of the occasion, and to the ' bereaved will be some measure of comfort and consolation, that the community wholeheartedly sympathises to j the fullest in the great blow which has J fallen. Out of the very sad and trying experience good must come. The lesson of extreme care when attempti ing high flights over the Southern i Alps, is brought home fully. Blind fWing on such a trip must needs be ! avoided. The greatest Australian airi man in his book described blind flying in storms over the Pacific, details his personal concern' till visibility was again normal. He was in a vast open space with no hidden heights, but he had the inherent fear that something might go amiss, and with his great velocity, disaster would come immediately once tlie danger loomed up. Negotiating mountain heights must needs carry risks in regard to weather. but the dangers and risks are intensified when the course is enveloped in clouds and mist. This condition of affairs always more or less apparent, is brought home by the event new so widely mourned, and emphasises that the safety .first rulo applies in respect to such trips very pointedly. No doubt these factors will now be in the minds of those engaged in developing the aerial transport, and simple yet definite rules will be laid down to remove as far as possible the chance of a similar accident coming to pass again in like circumstances.