SNOWBOUND

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 121, 14 January 1932, Page 5

SNOWBOUND

(Press Assn.—

RECUED MAN SEEKING ASSISTANCE WHEN FOUND , EXHAUSTED AND STARVING

-By Telegraph — ^Copyright).

CHRISTCHURCH, Wed. 1 Xhe missing trampers are school teachers in Canterbhry- ! Mr. Charles (Bernard) Robins is piarriedj 27 years of age, residing With his wife and three children at Y^althbm. His companions were Mr. Harold ^mith, bged 25 years, residing at Chancellor Street, Shirleys and Mr. Aeith Loney, 26 years of age, who lives at Hill's Road, Heathcote. Mrs Rohbins stated to-day that the three men had been planning the trip ior some weeks. They left Christchurch on January 4 for Hokitika, intending to walk back to Arthur's Pass and later climb Mt. Rollestoh. Word of the tragedy was brought to Bealey this morning by Mr. J. F. Wilsoii, also a school teacher, who had been out with another party. In Exhausted State About five miles from the Carrington Hut this morning they came upon Loney, who was exhausted and appeared to be suffering from lack of food. Loney told them that the three men had pitched their camp on top of Harman Pass; meaning to spend the night there. They had been snowbound and used up their food. Doubt exists as to how long the men had been exposed, hut it is probable that they have been out, over the week-end. Apparently Smith' suffered most, and it is believed that he is dead. Rohbins had wandered off, and it is not known what has become of him. Seeking Help Loney attempted to get to the Carrington Hut to secure help, and was on his way when he was found by Wilson's party. It is doubtful whether he could have reached the hut, for the party took three and a-half hours to get back there after he was found. Wilson refused to rest at Bealey, but after a bath and food went with the search party, which took supplies of food, ete., and is not expected to return to Bealey till to-morrow.