Trampers not "signing out’ cause problems

Press, 27 December 1985, Page 2

Trampers not "signing out’ cause problems

Trampers who forget to “sign out” after filling out intentions cards in national parks are causing problems for park rangers and the police. Two such incidents had occurred in "the last week, said the chief ranger at the Arthur’s Pass National Park, Mr Bill Mannix. One party had been found in Aucldand' by the police only hours before a search was due to start, he said. "People who go out into national parks and any such areas and who fill out intentions cards should realise they have an obligation to sign out on their return,”

Mr Mannix said. “If they cannot do it in person, they should do it by telephone or by telegram as soon as possible.” Park staff were delighted to receive the cards, but took their obligation to watch over tramping parties seriously. If trampers left the area without telling staff, it caused considerable annoyance in terms of staff time and was, in many cases, a waste of taxpayers’ money.' “It is just a big hassle. We have enough to do without looking for people who are home eating Christmas dinner,” Mr Mannix said.