LOST ON THE RANGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 July 1922, Page 5

LOST ON THE RANGES.

YOUTH’S DEATH ON TARARUAS. STORY OF THE SURVIVOR. LOST THEIR WAY IN MIST. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last NightThe inquest was concluded to-day concerning the death of Edmund James Kime, who died from exposure on the Tararuae. Allan Bollons, who accompanied deceased, stated that all went well until Friday, June 9, when they camped at Alpha Hut. They left the hut the following morning to go to Otaki, both carrying packs. They found the mist very heavy, and not being certain of their way, they decided to return to Alpha Hut. Kime was fatigued and after a while threw away his pack. Later he entreated Bollons to go for help. Witness went down a ridge, which he thought was part of the track, and walked for an hour and a half before finding his mistake. Not being sure of the way he decided to go down to a creek, where he spent Saturday and Sunday nights. He found the track on Monday and reached Alpha Hut in the afternoon. Here he spent the night. The following morning he went on to Tauherenikau Hut, where he was found later by the relief party. He had left his pack at the creek. Frederick William Vosseler, who organised the search party, said he found Bollons in an exhausted condition in a bunk in the Tauherenikau Hut. He recommenced the search and found deceased about three hours’ walk from Alpha Hut. Witness said there should be more sign posts on the Tararua track and another hut between Mounts Hector and Field. The finding of the coroner (Mr. Hunt) was that deceased died from exnosure and exhaustion at Alpha Hut. Mount Hector. He added a rider that there

should be more signposts on the Tararua track and at the place suggested by Mr. Vosseler.