MISSING IN THE SNOW

Evening Star, Issue 23000, 4 July 1938, Page 8

MISSING IN THE SNOW

TRANSFERS OUT IN NATIONAL PARK SEARCH PARTIES WORKING ON SKIS [Pee United Pkess Association.] TAUMARUNUI, July 4. Two Wellington men, Home and Davidson, aged about 35 (their christian names unknown) are missing at National Park. They were members of a week-end excursion from Wellington, and set out from the Chateau with one companion for Tama Lakes, which are situated at the foot of Ngauruhoe, about 10.30 .yesterday morning. Their companion turned back at the Taranaki Falls, the other two going on, since when nothing has been heard or seen of them.

They were not reported missing until 9.45 last night, when a search party immediately set out. They searched till 3 o'clock this morning, and then returned to the Chateau without locating the missing men. Further search parties set out at 6, 7, and 8 o'clock this morning. Carl Risbery, former guide at the Chateau, and Constable Bruce left Taumarunui at 4 o'clock and Risbery is now out on skis assisting in the search. Blackmore was expected from Rotorua in a plane at 11 o'clock to assist in locating the men. Everything possible is being done by the Chateau management to locate the men as speedily as possible. Weather conditions at the Chateau over the week-end were bad, the snowfall yesterday being the heaviest recorded for three years. It is necessary for the searchers to use skis, as it_ is not posible to walk in the snow, which is soft and deep. MEN BROUGHT IN SAFELY NIGHT SPENT UNDER BUSH [Per United Press Association.] TAUMARUNUI, 12.6 p.m. While returning to Taumarunui at abot 11 o'clock this morning from the Chateau, Constable Bruce, who took Risberg to the Chateau, met the two missing men, Home and Davidson, at the intersection of the Bruce road and the National Park-Taupo road, about four miles from the Chateau. Apparently they lost their bearings last night and spent the night under a bush in the snow. At daybreak they followed the Mangatepopo Stream till they reached the Taupo road, and thence walked on to the Bruce road, where they met Constable Bruce, who took them back to the Chateau. They were both well, though cold after the unpleasant night spent in the snow. They were sent to bed for a rest on arrival at the Chateau.