A MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 144421, 8 July 1914, Page 2

A MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE.

TWO NARROW ESCAPES. A party of three Eltham gentlemen, Messrs. H. Horuhlow, C. Pitts and A. Upchurch had a rather exciting experience on the slopes of Mt. Egmont on Sunday afternoon. The left Eltham with the intention of going as far as the mountain house, and securing a few photographs of the mountain slopes in their winter coat of snow. Reaching the snow lino, however, tho party decided to climb a little higher in order to get some effective snapshots. Several had been secured when Mr. Hornblow wont on a little ahead of the others, and Mr. Pitts having “snapped” him, had thrown him tho camera stand, which he put into his pocket. Mr. Hornblow commencto return to where his friends were standing when ho slipped and fell, and went sliding down the slope. Ha slid a distance of 300 feet before being able to stop himself, while his friends were quite uuable to render him any assistance.

At this moment Mr. O. Ooodson and his daughter, and Messrs. Walker and Eigar, of Hawera, arrived on the scene of the accident, and the latter gentleman endeavoured to reach Mr. Hornblow, who was unable to move from his precarious position. But the wouldbo rescuer also mot with disaster. Ho slipped, and after sliding some 60 feet, fell over a precipice about 40 feet in height. Possessing no ropes or other appliances the party were unable to help either of the unfortunate gentlemen, and Mr. Upchurch hurried to the Mountain House for assistance. Ho covered the two miles to the house in 12 minutes, and quickly returned with Mr. Murphy. On arriving, the guide proceeded to cut steps down the side of the gully into which both men had fallen, and finally rescued them by the aid of rope at the ond of half-an-hour. Fortunately neither of the victims sustained any serious injuries, but both suffered front bruises and a severe shaking. The party reached tho Mountain House about 6 o’clock, where both gentlemen wore attended to, and were later able to proceed home. —Eltham Argus.