MOUNTAIN ACCIDENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 August 1933, Page 2

MOUNTAIN ACCIDENTS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I noticed in a recent announcement in your paper the appointment of experts to give evidence in special cases of mountain accidents, Mr. L. O. Hooker being one of the experts mentioned.

With due respect to Mr. Hooker’s other qualifications I have yet to learn that he is an experienced mountaineer, and I think there are many other men in Taranaki more entitled to be called experts, and more fitted for the position. Their names are familiar to Taranaki people, and their many years of experience have gained them the confidence of climbers and the public. Surely these are the men who should guide the finding of the coroner in regard to snow, ice and weather conditions and other dangers, in cases where mountain accidents occur. In nautical enquiries two qualified mariners are appointed to assist the court, and I think that a similar procedure should 'be adopted in cases of alpine accidents. Unless the appointee is a man of practical experience I fajl to see the necessity of any apointment at all. I understand that Mr. Hooker’s alpine experience is limited to a climb to the Syme Hut.—l am, etc., “CURIOUS.” Eltham, August 11.