Tramper may have left Haast

Press, 8 April 1978, Page 2

Tramper may have left Haast

Greymouth reporter The Greymouth police believe that a missing tramper, John Smith, aged 35, a Dutchman, but now a naturalised Australian, may have left South Westland, Mr Smith put an entry in an intention book at Big Bay on March 23, saying that he planned to tramp north to Jackson Bay and Haast. Nothing - further has been heard of him.

A helicopter search was made yesterday along the entire’ coast from Big Bay to Cascade Point and ground parties also were sent into the area yesterday. Senior-Sergeant J. A. L. Wright said yesterday that it seemed Mr Smith might already have moved out of the area. A party travelling in four-wheel drive vehicles, which were trapped at Cascade for a time in heavy rain at Easter, had reported seeing a man answering Mr Smith’s description. The police were also checking reports that he had been given a lift by a woman motorist.

Anyone having seen Mr Sml h is asked to get in touch with the police. Mr Smith is described as being of medium build, with short fair hair, wearing blue denims and carrying a red pack. He speaks with a Dutch accent and has a patch over one eye.