TRAMPER RETURNS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21298, 27 September 1932, Page 11

TRAMPER RETURNS

DELAY CAUSES ANXIETY LONG WALK BY STUDENT KAIPARA HEADS AND BACK The delayed return of a young Auckland student,, A. E. Goodwin, aged 18, from a long week-end tramp alone occasioned his friend* considerable anxiety yesterday, but lie returned to the city at five o'clock none the worse for his arduous outing. Goodwin is an enthusiastic member of the University College Tramping Club. Last Friday he decided to carry out a plan of walking to the Kaipara Heads and back, if possible, within 48 hours. With a well-equipped pack, containing provisions, ground sheet and change of clothing, he loft Auckland about 10 o'clock at night by a late train for Henderson. His friends expected his return on Sunday night, or yesterday morning, and when no word had been received of him at mid-day yesterday they became anxious. A search party was organised and went to the west coast a few hours before Goodwin returned to Auckland. From Henderson on Friday night Goodwin immediately set out for the west coast, and passed Anawhata before further progress became difficult in the dark, and he settled down for a few hours' sleep. He was on the track again with the first streaks of dawn, and reached the Kaipara Heads early in the afternoon. Night overtook him on the retutyi journey, and he slept on Saturday night on the Muriwai sandhills. The homeward tramp was continued throughout Sunday, and somewhat footsore Goodwin reached the shelter of the Swanson forestry shack about six o'clock. There he rested yesterday until about 3 p.m., when lie went on to join a train from Swanson to Auckland.

He estimated he had covered about 120 miles on foot in less than three days. It had not occurred to him that' his absence might be occasioning anxiety. The alarm was first given by a fellowstudent and fellow-lodger of Goodwin's, G. S. J. Read, who communicated with the police and railway officials, and who, with others, caused messages to be sent to all likely places on the route of Goodwin's walk. During the afternoon wireless calls were sent out seeking information, and a party consisting of Constable Anderson, and Messrs. A. E. Flynn, S. C. MacDiarmid, secretary of the University College Tramping Club, and Read proceeded to the west coast. They were later informed of the trampcr's return.