CLIMBER KILLED

Grey River Argus, 10 February 1938, Page 5

CLIMBER KILLED

AT HOMER TUNNEL Falls When 6,000 ft. Above Saddle [Per Press Association.] INVERCARGILL, ' February 9. Falling a considerable distance down the mountainside, when attempting to cross the Saddle above the Homer .Tunnel, in the Hollyford Valley to-day, a young man, from Dunedin, was killed. The body had not been recovered to-night, and an effort will be made to bring it down to the Headquarters Camp of the Public Works Department in the Hollyford Valley tomorrow. The victim was John McLean, ageo 21, of Pitt Street, Dunedin. Accom panied by a companion, McLean, who was spending a climbing holi day in the Hollyford region, climbed the Saddle above the Tunnel this morning. He intended to cross to Milford. He had evidently climbed to a height of 6000 feet, when he slipped, and fell, striking his head, and being killed almost instantly. It is understood that he did not fall a very great distance, his death being caused by head injuries. Constable J. Thompson, of Lumsden, was informed of the tragedy at 6 o’clock this evening, and he left immediately for Hollyford Valley to superintend the work of recovering the body and bringing it down to the camp. POPULARITY OF ROUTE. INVERCARGILL, February 9. The increasing popularity of Eglinton Valley and Lake Te, Anau is demonstrated this summer by the record number of camping parties which have established themselves there. Mr W. A. Pickford, officer in charge of the Invercargill Tourist Bureau, who returned from a visit to that district on Thursday, told the “Southland Times” that the season had been a record one, and that there was at least a 50 per cent, increase on the number of camping parties last year. The Lake Te Anau steamer had had a remarkable season, and there had been an excursion every Sunday to the South Fiord. He added that there had been a special excursion to the Middle Fiord during his visit, and the party had returned full of praise for the magnificent scenery. At Cascade Creek extra accommodation had been provided this season and had been pn keen demand. The new wing at Te Anau hotel was well under way and should be finished in time for the Easter traffic. Tourists from all parts of the world were visiting the Milford Track, and Australians especially .were making frequent excursions in parties.