Boulder Strikes Woman on Tasman Glacier

Grey River Argus, 24 April 1948, Page 4

Boulder Strikes Woman on Tasman Glacier

Evidence of Relatives P.A.< TIMARU, April 23 Struck by a bouiaer weighing- auout 13Glbs, which rolled down the steep face of the moraine into the Tasman Glacier, immediately below the Ball Hut, Mount Cook, Mrs V. Morris of Pukekohe reecived a fractured skull, and multiple lacerations and abrasions at 11.30 a.m. on Thursday. She is now a patient at the Timaru Public Hospital and her condition is regarded as critical. Mrs Morris, a guest at the Hermitage, was one of a party of eight who, under the care of Guide H. Ayres, on Thursday, set off on an expedition up the Tasman Glacier, their destination being the Hochstetter icefall, about two and a halt miles up the glacier from Ball Hut. Having made their way on to the glacier down a steep track, which winds down the moraine, the party were startled by the sudden dislodging of a large boulder, which rolled down 20 feet, striking Mrs Morris in the back, and throwing her heavily to the ground. Guide Ayres gave her first-aid treatment, and immediately carried her back to the Hermitage. From there she received further medical attention, before being taken to the Timaru Hospital by ambulance.

Falls of rock are not infrequent on the moraines of the Tasman Glacier, and it is the custom of the guides to knock away all loose rock which they consider might, be dangerous in the vicinity of tbe~ tracks. The day before the party used the track on Thursday, all seemingly loose pieces of rock were removed.