THEORIES EXAMINED

Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1940, Page 4

THEORIES EXAMINED

MOUNT EGMONT TRAGEDY

A party of alpinists yesterday investigated the scene of Sunday's fatal accident in Manganui gorge, East Egmont, to test the two theories advanced in connection with the happening — that the illfated climber was struck by a piece of failing rock, or that his head came into violent contact with the low, overhanging rock near the scene of the accident. It was indicated that the failing rock theory was the most likely. The party consisted of two members of the Stratford Mountain Club. a man who was present at the site of the accident before the injured man was moved, two observers and a Daily News reporter. Tests were made concerning the collision theory. It was found that the rock was too low to allow a short man to pass beneath it without stooping, while in the case of a tall man the rock loomed up in his face. Tests were also made by running down the sloping track with the eyes directed downwards, but even then the vision picked up the rock in time for a swiftly-moving man to dodge it. Another feature which militated against acceptance of the theory was that the track passing around the overhanging rock is very narrow, suggesting that' a man would overbalance and fall into the gorge were his head brought into sharp contact with the projection.

It was found that the gorge wall lmmediately above the scene of the accident rose sheer for about 50 to 75 feet. Nowhere on its face was any loose rock, stones or rubble visible. It was evident that if a piece of rock fell, only weathering could account for its release. for the area above would not be negotiable even by a mountain goat. In view of a rumour at Stratford that there was an insufficiency of medical requisites at the Manganui Hut the party also investigated the medical chest. Even after the inroads occasioned by Sunday's occurrence it was found that there were enough bandages and other first-aid supplies. Inspection was also made of the stretcher used, which is in use in the hut as a bunk. It can be readily taken out and used in the event of an emergency, and it was found to be in excellent order.