DEATH IN SNOW SLIDE

Taranaki Daily News, 15 August 1933, Page 6

DEATH IN SNOW SLIDE

MISHAP AT ARTHUR’S PASS CORONER TO PREPARE RIDER. WARNING OF DANGER TO PUBLIC. GUIDE’S ADVICE TO CLIMBERS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. In order to prepare and bring down a rider in addition to his verdict the coroner, Mr. E. D. Mosley, S.M., who to-day conducted an inquest into the death of Samuel Edgar Russell, a Training College student who perished in a snow-slide at Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass, on July 30, adjourned the inquiry after hearing evidence. “This is a matter of some importance from the public point of view,” said the coroner, “and I think, although it is perfectly evident what was the cause of death, that it is my duty to go into the evidence very carefully and bring in a rider which may have the effect of causing the public to be a little careful.”

Evidence was given by John Dobie Pascoe, William Andrew Douglas Brough and Andrew Anderson, all experienced climbers and members of the party on July 30. All stated that they had made several previous ascents of Avalanche Peak, and all considered it an easy climb. The witnesses agreed it was desirable to have. some man in charge of the climbing party, but on this day the party consisted of members of three clubs and some outside excursionists. No one was definitely in charge. When the climbers began the ascent the party consisted of about 40 members, but was reduced gradually uhtil at the end of the bush line, when the climbers left their packs and donned warm clothing because of the stormy conditions, the party*was much smaller.

The evidence was that the party was counted and numbered 18 when the bush line was left, but at this point Anderson joined the party. The snow-slide involved all of them. All were carried down, for distances up to 150 yards, and some lost their equipment. After hurried assistance had been given to the climbers buried, some shoulder deep, in the snow, the climbers searched for the lost ice axes and other equipment. Meanwhile the party was again countered and numbered 18. The disappearance of Russell was not discovered until the party was returning to Christchurch on a train.

Alf Brustad, formerly a guide on Mount Cook, who was in charge of the party which found the body, said the place at which the slide occurred was dangerous. In reply to the coroner he said there should be a limit to the number in each party climbing, and a big party should be split into several small groups, each in charge of an experienced leader.

Snow conditions in New Zealand mountains were often dangerous in stormy weather, and climbing parties should whenever possible make ascents on ridges. Thus they would avoid the risks of snow-slides, which were frequent in the spring.