Check On Groups In Mountains

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31632, 19 March 1968, Page 16

Check On Groups In Mountains

Attempts are being made to devise a system by which all youth groups going into the bush and mountain regions of New Zealand are checked by competent persons. In a letter received by the Canterbury Mountain Safety Committee last evening, the National Mountain Safety Council said that in the past concern had been felt by tramping and mountaineering groups for organisations, such

as the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, scouts, Boys’ Brigade, taking part in expeditions poorly equipped and often attempting ventures beyond their competence. As a result of joint discussions between representatives of the Federated Mountain Clubs and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, the proposal for a check was suggested. The check would be made of the supervision and strength of a party, proposed route, and equipment. The council had given tentative approval and sought the co-operation of the reg-

ional committees, the letter said. Last night the Canterbury committee decided to seek more detailed information. If something went wrong while a group was in the bush, was the person in charge or the adviser responsible? asked Mr P. D. White. It was suggested that a panel or small group of experienced men could be available to advise groups. Mr J. Ede said the purpose of the proposal was to prevent accidents by initial supervision. Some of the programmes some young persons bad tackled owed their

success more to good luck than skill.

It was argued that for such an advisory scheme to be successful it would have to be compulsory. If it came to policing youngsters, the scheme would have no chance of success, said Mr A. M. Cookson. An advisory group would be much better. The function of such a panel should be made known to all the organisations and schools and then the responsibility was over to them.

The chairman (Mr A. F. Burdom) and the secretary (Mr K. J. Brownlee) were re-elected for a further year.