WHEN IS A TRAMPER LOST?

Northern Advocate, 3 May 1933, Page 4

WHEN IS A TRAMPER LOST?

Discussing the experience of the four Hampers who wore missing for fifteen days in the Tararua Ranges, the Wellington “Evening Post” says that while the community lias a duty towards lost Hampers, it is also evident that Hampers have a duty towards* the community. Searchers are glad to go to the. rescue of those who become lost, and who continue lost, through no fault of their own, hut there may he a limit to the response to search party calls if eases occur in which lost people display lack of judgment, and consideration. It is, therefore, reasonable that the actions of Hampers who become —or are believed to he—lost should he tin-own open to examination, and. if necessary, to criticism. When a party that was expected to return in about three days does not' return for about fifteen days, and then says it was “never lost,” a. difficult precedent is created. When is a

party to be deemed to be “lost” and in need of help? Trampers who, avoidably, over-stay tbeir time four-fold' of five-fold either cause others a great amount of Avasted labour, risk, and money,

or else tend to create-an Atmosphere of Avait-anddtee on the part of searchers. And Avait-and-see, says the “Post,” may be fatal to parties that are' genuinely, and unavoidably lost. It is in the interest of all that the sources from which, succour springs should not be dried up by imprudent acts of individuals.