LOST ON A MOUNTAIN

Otago Witness, Issue 3595, 6 February 1923, Page 25

LOST ON A MOUNTAIN

ELDERLY MAN MISSING. ELTHAM. January 31., Mr William Murray. Presbyterian missionary, aged 60 years, belonging to Normanby. has been lost on Mount Kgmont since yesterday. A party consisting of Mr Murray, the Rev. Mr Orange, of Kltham, Mr R. Thomas (Wanganui), and Mr G. Cook (Kaponga), made the ascent from Dawson Falls House to the summit early yesterday, intending to descend by ihe other side to North Egniont House. Air Alurray disagreed on the route chosen, and refused, in spile of argument, to listen to the appeals of the others, and insisted on traversing a dangerous gorge down which the others perforce followed, though a return by this way appeared impossible. Meanwhile‘Mr Cook returned to JJawson House for assistance. Air Orange and Mr Thomas following Mr Alurray and keeping in touch by shouting, to which Air Murray shortly refused to reply, and eventually the followers lost touch, and could not follow Air Murray's tracks. They then unsuccessfully attempted to return up Hie steep cliffs, but eventually cut, a stairway back to the summit, returning to Dawson House late in the evening. There was no further word this morning from North Kgmont, so search parties are out. Mr Orange collapsed and had to return. Two parties are out to-dav. and Afessrs Orange and Thomas returned to the mountain tonight to participate in a further search to-morrow. February 2, The search for Air William Murray, Presbyterian missionary, aged 60 years, who wag lost on the Kgmont side on Tuesday, continues fruitless. North of Dawson l'alls Mr Anderson (Kaponga) and party followed tracks down the mountain side, then up again to within 1000 ft of the summit, where a heavy storm compelled them temporarily to abandon the search. They returned exhausted after two days’ efforts, finding, in addition to the 1 racks, the remains of a small fire and pieces of cord tied to scrub. The lost man evidently surmounted great obstacles with wonderful spirit. Six parties are operating strenuously. and hope to find Air Murray to-day. Messrs Murphy and Anderson were almost frozen during the storm when searching near ihe summit yesterday.