HOPE WANING

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 516, 27 April 1933, Page 5

HOPE WANING

SNOW AND ICE ON RANGES Palmerston N., Wednesday. Hope for the safety of the four missing trampers, of whom there is still no news, is beginning to wane. The first fall of snow since last winter took place on Friday night on Mount Holdsworth, the locality in which the trampers are thought to be lost. There was a foot of snow on the Tararua ranges on Monday, and another foot fell yesterday afternoon. The conditions were so bad yesterday mornjng that a party which left Levin at daybreak for Te Matawai hut with supplies did not reach it until midday. It is understood that a party of searchers intended to eross the ranges to Mitre Flat to-day, in the hope of seeing something of the missing quartet. Written advice received in Palmerston North this morning, and forwarded from the Manawatu searchers' base at Te Matawai hut at midday yesterday, stated : "Under the conditions down here we do not think it is worth while staying for more than two more days, unless the weather definitely xmproves. It is snowing heavily, and the tops are thick with it. There is ice on the sides exposed to the wind, making a trip to Girdlestone practically impossible." Short-wave wireless communication is being maintained by Mr. T. Gabriel at Te Matawai hut with Palmerston North and other centres. -Over 50 mountaineers are exploring the ranges and valleys, axxd it is thought possible that the total number of searchers is now approaching 100, but until yesterday all were unable to do effective work many being held up by unfordable streams.