PLANE TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1933, Page 2

PLANE TRAGEDY

BODIES BROUGHT TO HOKITIKA.

A graphic description of the work entailed in the removal of the bodies of "tlib two vidtims of the tragedy at Mt. Turiwhate. Avas given last evening by Constable P. Dougherty, who spoke in the very ''highest terms of the assistance jejiveu by the large number of men who so freely gave their services for the purpose. There were some eighty men whose services were availed of. They were formed into two parties of over thirty, while the others were utilised in connection with the track, it was' resolved that the whole parties go right to the .scene of the disaster, a climb that tried the staying properties of many of the men to. the utmost, the climb being a very arduous one. The course of the climb was through heavy bush, then through flax i country, and lastly over the rock country. Immediately on arrival at the scone, the bodies were separately wrapped in heavy coverings,, and encased in heavy rubber sheets which were securely fastened up, and, ropes were tied to them, front, rear and sides. To these ropes some thirty iffen took a hold and the journey down the precipitous sides of the mountain commenced.

Slipping and sliding, sometimes all the -strain from the front, and next moment all on those in the rear, the burdens were brought down the mountain in ’a rapid manner, until the edge of the timber was reached when ambulances were utilised to carry their burden« to the homestead, from which they were later conveyed to Hokitika. The arrangements made for the removal of the bodies was most complete, and enabled the work to be carried out much quicker and more efflcently than had at first been hoped for. The improvement. in the weather condition.-, was another assisting factor. Any other form of conveyance it was generally agreed, would have taken a far longer period, as it was impossible to handle any load singly for a yard and the precipitous course .that had to be followed would have made any other procedure . extremely difficult. The whole operation was' carried out successfully, without'any mishap, one and all giving of their’ best for the object in view. Every'predit due to the fine band ol men who so promptly rushed to give their assistance, their action adding to the’ fine old tradition of West Coasters 'to give 'their aid and" assistance time of necessity, wherever it is needed, Ip the present case that generous assistance was'very freely , given and wag a fine example of the desire to help those in trouble. .

INQUESTS OPENED. The Coroner', Mr A. E. Benjamin, opened inquests at the Police Station last night at 6 o’clock into the deaths of, James Daniel Lynch'and Jack Bertram Renton, the victims of the aeroplane tragedy at Mt. Turiwhate on Monday afternoon. After viewing the bodies, which had been, brought in to Hokitika a short time previously, evidence was given by. Constable Dougherty for identification purposes. In con auction with the identification of J. D Lynch, the evidence showed that his body, had been very considerably mutilated as ,a result of the force of the impact. Hi s watch, which was damaged, had stopped at 0.21 o’clock. The inquest? were .then adjourned sine die, to enable tb'e police to arrange for the presentation of the further evidence. THE PLANE DESTROYED. Among those who made the journey to, the scene of the disaster yesterday, wa s Mr J. 0. Mercer, Instructor for the Canterbury Aero Club, which owned the machine, The plane was photographed, and .lifter a. number of the instruments and movable portions of the machine had been' removed, the rest of the plane was set fire to and destroyed in accordance with the regulations.