SKI-ING ENDS ABRUPTLY

Taranaki Daily News, 10 September 1934, Page 4

SKI-ING ENDS ABRUPTLY

SPEEDING SKIERS COLLIDE ACCIDENT ON MOUNT EGMONT. NEW PLYMOUTH GIRL INJURED. While a party of about 25 alpinists from the Stratford Ski Club and the Taranaki Alpine Club were enjoying the thrills of ski-ing on the Stratford side of the mountain yesterday a slight accident brought the day’s outing to an abrupt close. Two skiers collided with Miss M. Lynch, Lemon Street, New Plymouth, giving her a blow on the side of the head and rendering her unconscious. The party was ski-ing in the Ngarara Gorge, on the north side of Manganui Hut, and except for periodic slight mists the conditions were considered good. Though the valley provided a good down-hill run it was somewhat narrow, with the result that skiers had to pass closely to those ascending for their next run. It was in this manner that the accident occurred. A party of about eight was witnessing a run by Messrs. K. Tompkins and R. Whitwell, who were coming down on either sides of the slope. Upon both turning into the centre of the valley just above the onlooking party they were aware a collision with each' other was inevitable. Mr. Tompkins chose the only possible way out of the situation and turned to run alongside Mr. Whitwell, but unfortunately the tips of their skis connected, resulting in Mr. Tompkins being hurled into the onlookers and heavily striking Miss Lynch. Mr. Tompkins received a knock on one leg as well as slight abrasions to the face and shoulders, none of them being serious.

A stretcher was immediately obtained from the Manganui Hut and the injured girl was soon carried to the Stratford house, where Dr. Doris Gordon attended her. Though suffering slight concussion, Miss Lynch was able to return to New Plymouth, and last night she was reported to be progressing satisfactorily.