THE PARITUTU RESCUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 June 1931, Page 6

THE PARITUTU RESCUE.

The story of the rescue yesterday of two young men from a position of peril on the slope of the hill Paritutu would be read with mingled feelings. It. would bring first a feeling of relief that what might have easily resulted in tragedy, either for rescued or rescuers, had ended with no untoward happening, It would kindle a feeling of pride that in this British community a call for help from those in peril by land or sea brings instant, willing and single-minded assistance from all sorts and conditions of men. Stranger and local resident, policeman and sailor, young and older men—the fact that others were in distress was sufficient to make them ready to face the perils of rescue work with unflinching courage and never a thought of personal risk. The story showed too that enthusiasm for rescue was not allowed to run riot. One of its best features was the manner in which rescuers responded to quickly organised control and accepted the leadership of those whose experience gave them the Tight to direct operations. All of these factors may be counted as to the good. There is another phase of the matter that i? far less pleasant to dwell upon, but. is of equal importance to the well being of the community. It is the question of foolhardiness on the part of those. who take unnecessary risks in recreational undertakings. It is obviously a matter in which legal regulation can be of little avail, but is one that must be left very largely to the good sense of the individual. Such organisations as the Alpine'Club might add to the good work they are already performing by creating the feeling among young men that there are certain risks it is unfair to take. The peril of the two men on Paritutu on Sunday night was grave enough. Yet it is not; exaggeration to say that the risks accepted by their rescuers were greater still, and could easily have ended in tragedy. No one wgnts to mollycoddle the rising generation, but it is essential that young people fahould realise that foolhardiness may mean more than serious consequences to those indulging in attempts such as that which jade yesterday’s rescue necessary.