CLIMBER SAFE

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30561, 2 October 1964, Page 1

CLIMBER SAFE

Night Under Matagouri A 70-year-old Christchurch man, Mr Aubrey Somerset Whitcombe, of Colombo street, made his own way to safety yesterday after spending Wednesday night under a matagouri bush in the Mount Torlesse area. He was none the worse for his night out. Mr Whitcombe arrived at Brooksdale station shortly before 4 p.m. while a party of six police, using two dogs, and civilian searchers combed the slopes of Mount Torlesse. Some of the party returned to the station soon after and the rest were then recalled. Mr Whitcombe and Mr Edgar Richard Williams, also aged about 70, of Christchurch, set out to climb the peak from Brooksdale station, about three miles and a half west of Springfield, on Wednesday morning. After climbing for about an hour Mr Whitcombe said he was tired and turned back. Mr Williams continued. Mr Williams returned to the station about 7 p.m. on Wednesday but there was no sign of Mr Whitcombe. Local farmers began a search immediately and the police were notified.

After leaving his companion Mr Whitcombe missed his way and turned off away from the station. He slept under a matagouri bush during the night and arrived at Benmore homestead about 1 p.m. yesterday. After a rest and a drink he was taken back to Brooksdale. Sergeant R. J. Crooks, who was in charge of the search party, said the police were grateful to Mr L. Milliken and his employees of Brooksdale station and Mr R. M. D. Johnson of Mount Torlesse station for the assistance they had given in the search.