TRAGEDY IN THE HILLS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 September 1934, Page 6

TRAGEDY IN THE HILLS.

The terrible tragedy which happened on Thursday in the foothills of Mount Egmont has caused gloom throughout the entire province. The circumstances in which it happened will probably make it almost impossible to state with certainty the causes of the accident which cost two lives. It was the outcome of a journey by air the preparation and equipment for which appeared to have been as thorough and efficient as human wisdom could make them, A machine that was in perfect order and a pilot of experience and. judgment seemeji all that was necessary to make the undertaking a complete success. Yet disaster overtook the pilot and his passenger, who was engaged upon special duties of his calling whereby he had hoped to increase the value of his service to the public. In such circumstances mankind can only bow to the inscrutable decrees of Fate, reasoning or philosophy being swamped, at least for the time being, in overwhelming sympathy for the kindred of the men who lost their lives. Their friends will have the comfort of knowing that death came to them with merciful suddenness and while they were both engaged upon their “lawful occasions.” Nor is this the only consolation. The kindred of the victims will have noted how the news of disaster quickened prompt, efficient and continuous efforts for relief and possible succour. With no fuss, but with orderly and self-sacrificing effort, the work of rescue was organised and carried out. From the bushmen who brought the first news of the tragedy to the youngest recruit in the ranks of the rescuers no thought of personal safety or comfort was allowed to militate against the chances of rescue. When an occurrence can stir a whole community to efforts of such a nature who would assert that even a tragedy so sad as that of Thursday is nothing but a waste of lives? That comfort, the sympathy of their friends and fellow citizens, and the knowledge that their kindred died in the performance of what they conceived to be their duty will, it is to be hoped, prove some solace to those so suddenly bereaved.