SEARCHERS RETURN

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 35, 11 February 1937, Page 11

SEARCHERS RETURN

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) ■ OTAKI,-This Day,

At 1.30 o'clock this afternoon, Mr. W. Chariey and his son, the last of the searchers for Mr.' Bartdsh.who was-lost in the ranges during the weekend; walked out to'Otaki Forks. Although they had heard the aeroplane sent out to recall them, they had not seen it, being in the heavy bush on the edge of the Otaki River, gorge at the time. They had not heard the three rifle shots fired at Saddle Creek, being on Mount Crawford at the time. Neither knew that Mr.' Bartosh had got. out until they arrived at Otaki Forks. Both Mr. Chancy and his son showed the effect of three days' strenuous travel, and both were wet through when ' they arrived. ■ For twelve hours, in very bad weather conditions yesterday they waded down the upper Otaki Gorge' and only left the river when compelled to by the rapid rise owing to the heavy rain. In an interview by telephone with a "Post" reporter, within a few minutes of his arrival at Otaki Forks, Mr. Chancy mentioned that the heavy rain in the ranges had brought down a huge slip just above Plateau Stream. The steep hillside was still- coming down and the place was dangerous with 'falling' b6ulders. A number of trees had" also been blown- down last 'night.' ";. ' .; . Mr. Chancy was very relieved-to find that Mr. Bartosh had found his way out as, with the exception of one day, the weather in the ranges during the week has been very bad. •