THE MOUNTAIN TRAGEDY.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 August 1930, Page 8

THE MOUNTAIN TRAGEDY.

There are occasions when words seem inadequate for the expression of public opinion. In the face of a national or even a districts calamity there is the relief of action whic v must ba swift, decisive and continuous. But when individual heroism ends in death there seems so little that can be said that will assuage the sorrow of those who suffer most or fittingly express the tribute of the public to a brave man. The fatality of Sunday night on Mount Egmont, whereby a man, engaged in rescuing another from what was believed to be deadly peril, lost his own life, is a case in point. To his widow and children the death of Mr. Lance Gibson will seem an ironic commentary upon the spirit of service which sent him on his quest of mercy. Yet the manner of his going was equal in grandeur to that of the r.oldier who defies death in guarding the safely of his own land and people. It is the proud boast of Britons ihe world over that distress or suffering will never plead in vain for succour so long as one of British blood can hear the call. The victim of the first misfortune, on Sunday has been rescued, for though Mr. Gibson was called upon to pay the price of his life in his high endeavour he was not alone in the work of succour that his colleagues carried to success. There are times when the decadent spirit of ’the youth of to-day is given much prominence. The reply to Sunday’s call for help is a fine answer to those who th’.nk the spirit of sacrifice among the young men of the Dominion does not exist. It can be, and is, quickened by the warmth of any real opportunity for its exercise, and will take those imbued therewith even fo death, itself. Mr. Gibson’s was not the first sacrifice to attempted rescue work that Mount" Egmont has claimed, but hi® name will join the roll of honour of those who,-, not seeking benefit for self, laid clown their lives for others. The community in which he was known will hope that pride in this knowledge may bring comfort to those whose loss is keenest. •