Missing Tramper Found

Northern Advocate, 20 March 1939, Page 6

Missing Tramper Found

[Per Press Association.— Copyright.']

WELLINGTON, This Day,

Anxiety felt for the safety of Mr Ron Sinclair, of Oriental Bay, Wellington, was relieved when he was found making his way to Otaki Forks, which was two hours’ walk away. He had a sprained ankle.

He left Otaki Forks with Mr R. Wilson on Friday night, with the intention of exploring the Hector River at West Park, near the Kime Memorial Hut, Mr Wilson left Mr Sinclair sitting on the track while he went to look over into the valley. On his return, only a few minutes later, Mr Sinclair was nowhere to be seen.

Mr Wilson proceeded to Kirfie Hut. about eight minutes’ walk away, where it had been arranged they should have lunch. At Kime Hut there was still no appearance of Mr Sinclair.

Mr Wilson immediately commenced a search of the surrounding country, and continued for hours, calling repeatedly, but receiving no answer. Later, he returned to the hut,

Yesterday morning, conditions at Kime 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, Mr Wilson returned to Otaki Forks, and reported Mr Sinclair's disappearance. Search parties were organised, and this morning a party of trampers went up to Kime Hut to coinmence a search.

Both Mr Sinclair and Mr Wilson are experienced trampers, who have traversed most of the Ruahine Ranges.