Mountain-safety Campaign?

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31097, 28 June 1966, Page 1

Mountain-safety Campaign?

(N Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 27. Sir Edmund Hillary, president of the New Zealand Alpine Club, today called on alpine clubs and the Federated Mountain Clubs to co-operate in launching a national mountain safety campaign. There was a “definite need” for such a scheme, he said. The aim of the campaign would be to instruct learners

with the “climbing bug” to prepare them for the hazards of unknown terrain and to reduce casualties. Clubs, with the aid of a Government grant, should organise a mountain safety education programme. He said he had discussed the possibility of a television programme outlining the basic rudiments of climbing and demonstrating pitfalls and hazards. Such a programme should he screened before the start of the summer climbing season.

Mr L. D. Bridge, a member ;of the newly-formed Mountain Safety Council of the Federated Mountain Clubs, said today a £lO,OOO grant had been allowed the council this year. The money would be used to finance a series of courses on bush-craft and mountaineering this year. The emphasis this year would be on bush-craft. Next year snowcraft would be stressed.

Mr Bridge said a different safety theme would be used each year. Experts in their respective fields would conduct the courses. The first course was held at Easter on Mt. Ruapehu. Similar courses will begin in November in the Auckland region and the southern reeion of the North Island. Mr Bridge said the council at present was issuing pamphlets and manuals dealing with bush, tramping, moun-

taineering and stalking tech-i niques. Posters were also being prepared. Mr E. Sadd, of the Wellington section of the New Zea-, land Alpine Club, said thej

■ I club operated a safety campaign for its own members. It planned to lend assistance, • information and manpower to i the Federated Mountain I Clubs’ campaign.