LOST IN DRIVING SNOW

Taranaki Daily News, 20 August 1935, Page 6

LOST IN DRIVING SNOW

GRIM EXPERIENCE ON RUAPEHU. CLIMBER SUFFERS LITTLE HARM. Auckland, Last Night. Losing his track in the driving snow which reduced visibility to about five yards and covered all the tracks within a few minute/, E. W. Yates, Auckland, was lost for several hours on Mount Ruapehu to-day. He succeeded in returning to Salt Hut on Scoria Flat, however, Where he was fbund by a search party. He was suffering from cramp brought on by the cold but was otherwise uninjured. Abnormal snow conditions continue to be experienced on the central mountains and the fall above 5000 feet is the heaviest for five years. It was still snowing this evening. A message from Mr. R. Cobbe, manager of the Chateau Tongariro, stated that very heavy snow had fallen at National Park. Snow was banked up to a depth of 12 feet round Salt Hut, which was half buried. Small cars were unable to negotiate Bruce Road. SEVERE HAILSTORM. VISITATION AT AUCKLAND. Auckland, Last Night. Cold and boisterous weather with Occasional thunder and lightning again prevailed in the city and suburbs culminating in one of the heaviest hailstorms experienced for some time about 6.30 to-night. During the short time which the hailstorm lasted small drifts piled up in the gutters and in the spouting of buildings. The hailstorm was followed by blinding flashes of lightning and deafening claps of thunder.