TOURIST BUS SNOWBOUND ON HERMITAGE HIGHWAY

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31530, 18 November 1967, Page 1

TOURIST BUS SNOWBOUND ON HERMITAGE HIGHWAY

(New Zealand Press Association) TIMARU, November 17. A tourist bus with an unknown number of passengers has been trapped for more than 24 hours in deep snow about 10 miles from the Hermitage.

The bus is thought to have come from the southern lakes district. According to Inspector E. J. Trappitt, officer in charge of the Timaru police district, all the passengers are safe, but uncomfortable.

It is also believed by the police that a few private cars have been trapped behind the bus. The number of persons isolated is not known.

Mr Trappitt said that the bus was reached today 'by the chief ranger of the Mount Cook National Park Board (Mr D. F. Bell) who walked from the Hermitage carrying food and clothing for the bus passengers. Later a bulldozer sent from the Hermitage to clear a track for the bus also bogged down in deep snow. A fresh attempt will be made tomorrow morning. No Danger

Bulldozers also tried to cut a way in to the Mount Cook area from Lake Pukaki township, 37 miles from the Hermitage but could make little progress.

Constable W. G. Halliday, of Otematata, went to Lake Pukaki today but could not reach the stranded bus or car passsengers. Fresh efforts to reach them will be made tomorrow.

Mr Trappitt emphasised tonight that although the stranded people were probably cold and uncomfortable they were in no danger.