RESCUE PARTY OF 26

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30368, 18 February 1964, Page 15

RESCUE PARTY OF 26

Injured Climber Brought Out

A party of 26 persons, including a nurse, helped to rescue Alan Howard Panton, aged 21, of Hastings street, Christchuich, when he suffered a knee injury while climbing in the Arthur’s Pass area on Saturday. Mr D. Overton, of Highgate avenue, who was climbing with Mr Panton, said yesterday that the two were traversing from Mount Philistine to Mount Rolleston in thick cloud and light rain about 2 p.m. on Saturday. The rocks were greasy, and they were belaying all the way, Mr Overton said. While they were crossing a pile of loose rocks, these gave way and Mr Panton fell down a steep gully. Mr Panton grabbed hold of some rock, and Mr Overton held on by the rope. Rock fell on Mr Panton. and one piece struck him behind the left knee.

Mr Pan ton gradually struggled out of the gully up the rope, and Mr Overton gave him first aid. They then made their way along the worst of the ridge and down 4000 ft to the Rolleston river.

Mr Overton stayed with Mr Panton overnight, in the shelter of rocks, then left him in shelter at 9.30 a.m. on Sunday. Mr Overton made his way out to Otira for assistance, arriving at 11 a.m. He got in touch with Constable M. Direen, and the rescue party of 26 set out.

The nurse attended to Mr Panton at the Rolleston river, and the men carried him out in relays to Otira. Mr Panton was taken to the Grey Hospital, and admitted for treatment to his injured leg.

Grass Fire.— A grass fire on the property of Mr L. Osborne at 4 Finsbury street at 10.49 ajn. yesterday caused no damage. Firemen from the Sockburn station answered the alarm.