TWO MEN MISSING

Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 1938, Page 9

TWO MEN MISSING

By Telegraph—Press Association.

PROSPECTORS IN SOUTH FEARS FOR THEIR SAFETY NO REPORT FOR MONTHS

Invercargill; Last Night. Fears are eritertained for the safety of two prospectors who were at Kaipo Bay, about 30 miles north of Milford Sound, in November last and who have not been seen or heard of since March. The missing men, Mr. Maurice Beveridge and Mr. William Don. Hokitika, were taken to Kaipo Bay by the motor-ship Gael, which carries stores and equipment to public works camps on the west coast. 'Last week Mr. J. Blaikie arrived at Invercargill by aeroplane from Big Bay to inform the pojice that fears were now felt for the safety of the men. More information has been supplied to the police by Mr. Gordon Sharp, who also came out from Big Bay by aeroplane. Camp Established. Apparently the two men went down to Madagascar Beach, just north of Milford Sound, and established a camp there. They had provisions sufficient to last nine months and thnber for a flat-bot-tomed boat. ' •• A survey party visited the camp in February. The ttien had completed prospecting and were waiting for fine weather to raft their gear to Big Bay or Martin's Bay. Mail had been waiting for them at Mr. David Gunn's residence at Big Bay, but it had not been calied for. It is thought that it would be impossible for the men to have got out without someone seeing or hearing of them. Mr. Don was seen at Hokitika in March, and it is believed he then returned to his compariion. Mr. Gunn made a visit in June and could find no trace of them. Two weeks ago Mr. Gunn found part of a new flat-bottom-ed boat washed up on the south side of Martin's Bay. It is thought it belonged to Messrs. Don and Beveridge.