RUMOUR ABROAD

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 50, Issue 3022, 6 January 1941, Page 5

RUMOUR ABROAD

EXCITEMENT AT THE MOUNT CLIMBER IN DIFFICULTIES Rumour that a man had fallen from the face of the cliff at the top of the mountain caused a stir at Mt. Maunganui, Tauranga, on Saturday night, states a Paeroa resident just returned from holidays there. Late in the afternoon three people were observed climbing on the overhanging rock face. It is stated that two accomplished the climb but the third disappeared. Campers in the Domain grounds on the waterfront state that calls for help were distinct. Search parties were quickly organised and proceeded to the base of the cliff where they were directed from above by a morse signaller with a flashlight who was in communication with a party located in the vicinity of the Oceanside Hostel. Darkness fell and the search was continued, about twenty searchers under the charge of a constable and a doctor thoroughly combing the mountainside until a late hour without result.

Apart from the serious aspect of the occasion it was interesting to stroll round the camps where parties of campers were gathered outside tents watching the movements of the many lights on the mountainside and speculating the outcome of the occurrence, he said.