SEARCHES FOR AIRCRAFT

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25810, 23 May 1949, Page 8

SEARCHES FOR AIRCRAFT

HELP OF TRAMPING CLUBS ARRANGEMENTS WITH GOVERNMENT The Government has undertaken that there will be close co-operation with mountain and tramping clubs in future searches of rough country after aircraft crashes, according to information given to the annual conference cf the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand at Christchurch on Saturday Reporting to the meeting, the president (Mr N. M Thomson) said the feeling had been expressed by many clubs that in the past the best use had not been made of the experience and equipment of their members. “The searches for the aircraft lost in the three unfortunate accidents which occurred during the year,, on Ruapehu, in the Ruahines and the Tararuas, have given much food for thought to the part which tramping and mountaineering clubs are taking in these rescues,” said Mr Thomson. Before the Kereru disaster he had written to the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) saying that the federation should have permanent representation on a searen council. This council should meet immediately on an aircraft’s being reported missing. If this plan were carried out in the future fully-equipped and experienced men could take part in a search at the earliest moment. “It is admitted on all sides that this desirable state of affairs was not achieved in any of the searches,” said Mr Thomson. Replies from the Prime Minister and other Ministers had given assurances that the closest co-operation with clubs, through the federation, wouid be achieved in future. Trucks and aircraft would be made available tl rough the police when required for searches. Satisfactory arrangements had been made with the Government during’ the year and the Minister responsible had sent directives to the Public Works Department and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Speaking to his report, Mr Thomson said that in the Kaka and Ruahine c ashes the help of tramping clubs was ignored. If there had been any survivors they should be reached as soon as possible. “It’s going to be properly equipped men who can reach the s »ot,” he said. “One tramping party supplied the police with equipment.”