The Hawera Star. THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 1930. SAFETY ON MOUNT EGMONT.

Hawera Star, Volume L, 7 August 1930, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 1930. SAFETY ON MOUNT EGMONT.

Delivered every evening by 6 o'olook in Hawera. Mauaia, Kaupokonui, Otakeho, Oeo. Pihama. Opunake, Normanby. Okaiawa Eltham, Ngaere, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Te Kiri, Mahoe, Lowgarth, Manutahi: Kakaramea, Alton, Hurleyville Patea, Whenuaknra, Waverley. Mokoia. Whakarnara, Ohantrai, Meromere, Fraser Road, and Ararata.

The week-end. accident on Mount Egmont, resulting in the sacrifice of life by a member of one of several search parties, and threatening the safety' of many others engaged on the task of rescue, draws attention to the need for improved organisation of the control of the mountain from a climbing point of view. Any' suggestion to this end does not reflect upon the activities of the National Park Board, the sectional committees in charge of the administration of the hostels, nor upon the alpine clubs; each does valuable work in its own sphere, but so far there has not been the co-ordination of effort which the attractions and dangers of the moutain require and deserve. The southern and northern alpine clubs and their branches between them represent some GOO active members, who, since these organisations have sprung into existence, have performed a public service of immeasurable worth. The climbers, in their enthusiasm for the sport, have set themselves out to make - the mountain more attractive and safe for themselves and for tourists and others, with the result that tracks have been improved, the sport of slci-ing introduced, and a first-class mountain hut erected at a high altitude on the southern slopes. The amateur activities of these enthusiasts have been welcomed by' the controlling authorities who, if I they' have not always been able to grant all the requests made of them by the clubs, have encouraged and assisted them rather than hindered them. On ' many occasions the authorities and the public have had reason to be grateful to the club members for the readiness they' have displayed in coming to the aid of individuals in distress. The boom in the sport of climbing—and, incidentally' the increased patronage accorded the mountain hostels —is duo in larger measure to club activities than to any other agency', not excepting the Tourist Department. With the increase in popularity' of Mount Egmont has grown a greater need for an organisation to deal with unexpected happenings. The alpine clubs and their branches can, and do, send out searchparties at short notice; they instruct, guide and generally look after the novice within their own ranks. But everybody who climbs the mountain is not a club member; there is always likely' to be abroad a small private party, inexperienced and ill-clad, .for jthere is nothing beyond the dictates of eommonsense to prevent the veriest tyro from attacking the slopes when and how he will. Individuals who, through ignorance or rashness, attempt climbing under adverse conditions, do not merely endanger their own lives, but are a source of potential danger to others if they should subsequently need the services of rescuers. For these and other reasons it is apparent that the time has arrived for taking steps to organise and co-ordinate the whole of the resources at the command of the official and semi-official authorities for the safe-guarding of life and the improvement of conditions generally. And I there can be no doubt about the rejsources; splendid proof of their existJ cncc has been given on every' occasion that the call has gone forth for assistance. It only- remains now for all amateur climbing interests to combine and thoroughly review the needs of the position. Some of them are obvious even to lookers-on, but the.v do not call for mention here when they' can be so much better dealt with by' a conference of practical climbers. The National Park Board and the Government itself could not but listen to any' reasonable requests for facilities made by' the clubs, who have more than earned their right to be, heard on such an important subject, involving both the safety* of human life and the popularising of a! wonderful scenic attraction. We hopej in the near future to hear of some practical steps being taken to bring this ideal of improved co-ordination to realisation