AN ALPINE EXPERIENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1271, 14 July 1914, Page 3

AN ALPINE EXPERIENCE.

It is extraordinary the fascination alpine climbing has for some people. Some time ago, Mr H. Hornblow in company with two companions, after scaling Mount Egmont were encompassed in a snow storm in the descent. They were discovered by a search party after two days, when they had almost given up hope. Last week Mr Hornblow again met with misfortune on the same mountain, while endeavouring to get some snapshots of the mountain in its winter garb. The Eltham Argus says: Reaching the snow line, the party decided to climb a little higher in order to get some effective snapshots. Several had been secured when Mr Hornblow went on a little ahead of the others, Mr Hornblow commenced to return to where bis friends were standing when he slipped and fell, and went sliding down the slope. He slid a distance of 300 feet before being able to stop himself, while his friends were quite unable to render him any assistance. At this moment Mr C. Goodson and his daughter, and Messrs Walker and Elgar, lof| Hawera, arrived on the scene of the accident, and the latter gentleman endeavoured to reach Mr Hornblow, who was unable to move from his precarious position. But the would-be rescuer also met with disaster. He slipped and after after sliding some 60 feet, fell over a precipice about 40 feet in height. Possessing no ropes or other appliances the party were unable to help either of the unfortunate gentlemen, and Mr Upchurch hurried to the Mountain House for assistance.

On arriving, the guide proceeded to cut steps down the side of the gully into which both men had fallen, and finally rescued them by the aid of ropes at the end of half-an-hour. Mr Elgar was severely bruised and shaken, and Mr Hornblow’s arm was broken and he will have to undergo an operation. Mr Hornblow is a nephew of Mr Hornblow, of Foxton.