TRAMPER MISSING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 92, 20 March 1939, Page 6

TRAMPER MISSING

SEARCH IN TARARUAS. EOUND INJURED. Per Pre6s Association. AVELLi NGTON, Alarch 20. Air Rod Sinclair, of Oriental Bay, Wellington, left Otaki Forks with Air R. Wilson on Friday night with the intention of exploring the Hector River. At AVest Park, near the Kime Alemorial Hut, Air AVilson left Air Sinclair sitting on the track, while he went to look over into the valley. On his return, only a few minutes later, Air Sinclair was nowhere to bo seen and. Air Wilson proceeded to the Kime Hut, about, eight minutes’ walk away, where it had been arranged that they should have lunch. At the Kime Hut there was still n«> appearance of Air Sinclair. Air AVilson immediately commenced a search of the surrounding country and continued for hours, calling repeatedly, but receiving no answer. Later, be returned to the but.

On Sunday morning conditions in the Kimo Valley were very adverse, a. heavy mist, with intermittent rain, bringing visibility down to about 20 yards and making a search almost impossible. During the afternoon Air AA’ilson returned to Otaki Forks and reported Air Sinclair’s disappearance. Search parties were organised and this morning a party of Hampers went up to the Kime Hut to commence a search, with the result that Air Sinclair was found with a sprained ankle making his way to Otaki Forks. He was about two hours’ walk away. Both Air Sinclair and Air Wilson are experienced Hampers, who have traversed most of the Ituahine Ranges.