THE MOUNT EGMONT FATALITY.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 June 1918, Page 4

THE MOUNT EGMONT FATALITY.

r-n-iXiXJAx x . The loss of two valuable lives on the slopes of Mount Egrnont has aroused a profound feeling of sorrow with the families to which the victims belonged, and it has once more emphasised the danger to those who attempt to ascend the mountain at this time of year without the services of a guide and the necessary equipment for meeting an emergency such as .that which occurred on Monday. In mountaineering it is generally the unexpected that happens, and however confident an amateur climber may be of his ability to negotiate the ascent and descent so far as he is personally concerned, there is always the risk of what may happen to, some inexperienced climber who may unwittingly bring about a disaster. The risk of climbing is always greatly enhanced by snow and the slipperyness consequent on a low temperature, so that the assistance of a guide is more than ever necessary during the winter months. There is no question that a special fascination surrounds the mountain when clothed with a mantle of snow, and with a bright .sun overhead, but in view of the many mishaps that are possible, it would seem that the time has arrived for the Mountain Committees to safeguard the lives of the adventurous by imposing restrictions that will absolutely prevent any inexperienced mountaineers from attempting the ascent of the mountain without a guide, and strictly limiting the

number of each party. Such a step may prove, irksome to a few who could always, probably, be relied upon to accomplish the trip to the top and back in safety, but these are the very persons we should expect would be the first to advocate the restriction, knowing, as they do, what the accident of a moment may bring forth. Doubly sad-as was Monday's fatality, it might even have involved the loss of more lives. The details which we publish to-day show clearly the absolute necessity for a guide being in attendance and ready to give help when needed. "We do not claim that he could perform a miracle in stopping the headlong descent of a human body such as was the case of Mr. Gourkv. but it would be his business to see that climbers did not get into such dangerous positions—to prevent accidents rather than lo avert catastrophes. Mr. Arthur Ambury ; heroically sacrificed his life in the : effort to jsave that of a fellow- ■ being. That he shows the i magnitude of the fort, for he ■ threw all his str 'ft and will- ! power into the- M, without J avail. His deed was a heroic one.

and his last act, ore being launched into eternity, was an exhibition of the highest courage of which man is capable. The knowledge of this should soften the terribly heavy blow that has fallen on the bereaved wife and children, as well as on the parents and other relatives. The noble example is one that honors the Dominion, yet it emphasises the fact that there should have been no need for the sacrifice. In the best interests of all who visit the mountain, the loss of two such promising lives calls aloud for preventive measures. It is all that can be done, and the sooner done the better for the good name of Mount Egmont and for the ad-venture-loving spirits who visit it.