THE EGMONT TRAGEDY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4900, 20 June 1918, Page 6

THE EGMONT TRAGEDY.

CONCLUSION OF THE INQUIRY

(Press Association ’Telegram.) NEW PLYMOUTH, June 19. .An inquest on the.victims of the -'lt. Egmont tragedy on June 3 was held to-day. The medical evidence was to the effect that the deaths were due to fracture of the skull. Guide Murphy, of Dawson Fall); House, who was at the head of the rescue party, said tlie ascent of the mountain was not advisable in winter, except with a guide or thoroughlyexperienced mountaineers. Egmont was perfectly safe in the summer months, but was dangerous in winter. From the evidence given, he was of the opinion that Gourlay’s party were very inexperienced climbers. They commenced glissading too high up. They cut the steps too small and too far apart and took no rope. The Coroner returned a verdict of accidental death. He warmly commended Ambuvy’s heroisn* as worthy of the Albert Medal in attempting to save Gourlav. He hoped the public would accept the advice of Murphy anp not attempt to ascend the mountain under winter conditions.