TRAMPERS MISSING

Evening Star, Issue 21639, 7 February 1934, Page 6

TRAMPERS MISSING

TEN DAYS OVERDUE SEARCH PARTIES OUT AERO CLUB'S PLANE ASSISTING [Special to the ‘ Stas.’] INVERCARGILL, February 7. Fears are being entertained for the safety of three trampers, Messrs A. Dickie, G. M'Bride, and J. Speden, jun., all of Gore, who some weeks ago set out to traverse the country from Lower Hollyford Valley via the Barrier into Arawata. From there the party intended to attempt a crossing via Mount Aspiring into the head waters of the Matukituki, and then down to Pembroke. No word has been received from the trio, who are now ten days overdue, since January 19, and as a wireless inquiry through to Mount Aspiring Station on Tuesday elicited the reply that the trampers had not vet put in an appearance, search parties have been organised to scour the country through which the missing men were to have made their trek on Tuesday night. _ A Gore party, in charge of Mr C. Bowmar, left immediately for Hollyford Valley in an endeavour to find traces of the missing men in that area. A Dunedin party is making for the head of the Matukituki River, while Messrs J. D. Knowles, R. Ferris, and B. Challis, all well-known alpinists, of Invercargill, intend setting out to-day to make a crossing from the Dart River into Joe’s River. In addition, one of the Canterbury Aero Club’s planes, piloted by Captain J. C. Mercer, was commissioned from Christchurch for the search, and the pilot is now flying all over the district. Captain Mercer was especially chosen because he is conversant with the country, over which he has flown on several occasions, besides making landings in Arawata. It was reported to the police last Friday, some ten days ago, that while walking from Hidden Falls to Elfin Bay, Mr N. J. Dolamore, Conservator of State Forests at Invercargill, saw what appeared to be a man’s oilskin caught on a snag in the river. Closer investigation, however, disclosed that it was a green canvas waterproof sleeping bag of the type used by alpinists. A grey flannel shirt with the trade mark ‘‘Brown, Ewing, Dunedin,” was also found on snags, and it appeared that the complete pack was washed against the top end of the snags, coming apart and distributing its contents for a radius of nearly 200 ft. The pro' perty was thought to be that of a hiker who got into difficulties when fording the river, and was either washed away or sacrificed his pack in order to gain the bank. An accident must have occurred recently, as the articles would have been more" extensively damaged had they been long in the water. It has been el'-nnitely ascertained, however, that the pack in question did not belong to any particular member of the party now reported to he missing. While anxiety is being felt, it may well_ he that swollen rivers or other feasible causes have delayed the party.