ON THE TARARUAS.

Otaki Mail, 12 January 1920, Page 2

ON THE TARARUAS.

AN INTERESTING EXPERIENCE.

Mr and Miss Knox and Miss Louise Mack, who loft the mountain hut at the Otaki."Forks" on Sunday morning (4th inst.), to scale the Tararuas, and about whose safety a deal of anxiety was short a on account of delay, arrived in Otaki on Saturday evening by motor.

On inquiry wo ascertained that the party left, the Suit at. S a.m. on Sunday, amply provisioned for the trip, which was to occupy about three days. The trip through the Native bush to Table Top was a delightful one, but the ascent of Mount Denmm was moro difficulty ami bad weather set in. As

uightfull • came on it was agreed to camp on the mountain's side. Next morning the mount was sealed, and Mlf. Hector sighted, but fog and rain caused delay, and Mr Knox, who has had much experience iu hill work, located a suitable spot for.shelter, and with the aid of his shoath-knifo soon had a quantity of material that did splendidly as a whare. Next morning the journey was continued in most unfavourable weather, and it was decided that the best course- to pursue would be to desoend some distance from llectar to the bush for shelter. The task was a very difficult one. but was carried our safely. Here Mr Knox again provided for tho ladies, and his impromptu hut was much appreciated. About this time, unfortunately, Miss Mack was overeomo with severe mountain sickness, and the stiff climb up the mountain was only negotiated with much difficulty. The top, however, was duly reached, but Miss Mack's condition did not improve. When near .Mount Alpha Mr Knox decided it «ise to proceed to the Alpha hut to get hot foods, etc., leaving Miss Knox to look in" tho wants of the sufferer. Although by this time the party was within half an hour's journey of Mount Alpha, (lie condition of Miss Mack was such as to render the climb for her a most difficult one. and dospito hot foods and every possible help and attention tin- hut was not. reached for some hours. At the hut some fuel was

found, and the Indies were made comfortable for the night. Next morning it was decided to leave the ladies for a Lima, Mr Km>\ signifying his intention of proceeding to Grcyfiiwn for assisanee. However, luck favoured him, for shortly after Constable Mcintosh and Mr A. 1.. Webster, who formed tho (i rev I own search party, came along, and placed their horses at the disposal of the ladies, who proceeded to Greytown, where medical attention was sought for Miss Mack. The latter, however, was well enough to leave by car for Otaki on Saturday morning, ami although .'-til! indispose, is doing well. Incidentally, it may 1)0 mentioned, Miss Knox stood the test •plen.li'iiv, negotiating the mountains ami enduring all hardships in great style, while Mr,Knox, despite his ordous task, enjoyed the beauties of tho track, ami is now so enthusiastic Over it that he is already endeavouring to ■:■■•: u party lo cross at an early date. Tin. 1 two Indies are the first to cross the ranges, and we congratulate them on, their achievement. On inquiry this afternoon we ascertained that Mi'ss Mack was doing vary nicely, though still confined to her bed. Mr Vp«pclcr, who,knows the Tararuas well, emphasised in the course- of a conversation with a " Dominion"" re-p-n<yT, that it was dangerous for anyone to attempt to cross the Tararuas, even at this time of the year, unless thev- were absolutely physically fit. Physical fitness wns a first essentia) lo such a climb, and if people attempted it who were not fit the Tnr.-iriias would yet pro lido the scene erf a tragedy,