MUCH UNCERTAINTY

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 11, 14 January 1932, Page 13

MUCH UNCERTAINTY

REPORT FROM GREYMOUTH

(By Telegraph.-Presg ABsociation.) m. ' vo^™o^™, 13th'jan uar y. The-latest report from Bealey states that six men are feared to; be missing between Harman Pass and Carrington hut in the region separating the upper reaches of the Wilberforee and Bealey jtivers. •-!•■■■ ■ ■ ■ . . J

The three men first reported" were Messrs. Smith, Bobbins, and Ixmerothers inclnde Mr. Sweeney, reported to belong to Hokitika, and Mr. Luhh of .Canterbury.. The name of the third is not yet ascertainable. .'/) In addition to searchers fronf Arthurs Pass and Otira, two ChristdWreh parties are travelling up the difficult country between Bealey and Waimaka-

An unconfirmed report states that some of the missing men are gold pros-

_The,weather to-night is fine in the Bealey district. ■ . : .

Mr. James P. Wilson, who brought the news to Bealey at 8 o'clock this morning, was in a dazed state after his great nervous strain. He was unable to give a detailed story of his experiences, but said that the party of lost on 6th January, and had been wandering in the ranges. \T to-? °, l ee? for three nigWs. Mr. Wilson left his companion! in an^effort to, secure help. He toia:Mr and Mrs, Coehrahe at the Bealey Hotel ; that;when_ heleft Smithwas dead and •Bobbins had wandered away, while ioney was delirious. The party intended to go to Carrington Hut,, near the bead of the Wainiakariri, but failed to make that objective a ad became lost in the Wilberforee locality. _ Mr. Wilson refused to go to bed, but insisted accompanying the search party after he had food and a bath J.his party was speedily organised, ana headed by Constable 0. Robb, of Otira and including Messrs. Cochrane and Kirkwood, left with pack horses and food. They are not expected to return to Bealey until-to-morrow. >

Constable J. Kearney, of Cobden, left here this afternoon by train to join the searchers.

, It is reported that other campers in the bnsh country 17 miles from Beaiey have found Loney, and that he is safe, but the fate of the others will probably remain unknownuntil to-morrow.