PARTY HELD UP BY SNOW

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21555, 18 January 1940, Page 5

PARTY HELD UP BY SNOW

Incident In Central Otago North Island Visitors Wait 24 Hours There is nothing attractive about being held up by snow, even to the most seasoned of Central Otago residents. But for a party of North Islanders to be held up for 24 hours oy deep snow .in tlip middle of a Central Otago summer is a nerve-wracking experience. '"That was my first experience of Central Otago—we come from the North Island, and have hardly seen snow," said Mr F. Montague, of Te Arc. who with his wife and family and Mrs Nolan comprised the party. "I think it will be my last." Travelling through the Lindis Pass on Saturday morning, the party struck heavy snow a few miles irom the summit, and was unable to proceed. This is a condition practically unheard of for January weather, but none the less it was an unpleasant experience. After some time a horse box was seen approaching, and the party was filled with hopes of deliverance, but it turned out to be the racehorse Kurow Belle returning from the Vincent races. The horse box only managed an additional 100 yards or so before it, too, was completely blocked in.

Other cars arrived, and finally the party was enabled to turn a light car and start it back down the road for help. It was midnight before the various parties found sanctuary with Mr J. A. Hannah, whose residence was approximately three miles down the road. From early morning until this time the party, which included children, had nothing to eat. Kurow Belle had to remain in the horse box unattended throughout the night, but next morning appeared none the worse for the experience At midday on Sunday. 24 hours after the beginning of the hold-up, Mr Montague was able to turn his car and retrace his steps. Mount Cook, it is almost needless to say. has been dropped from his itinerary. Other unfortunates included an American visitor. About 20 cars were included, a dozen of one side of the summit and eight on the Omarama slope. It was emphasized by the party that the absence of telephone communication made their plight much worse, and it was suggested that the Automobile Association should Install a telephone. It was hardly a fair thing for Mr Hannah to install a telephone which would mainly be for the benefit of the public. Mr Hannah. Incidentally suffered heavy crop losses in the storm. Another point was that the snow plough had not been working. Mr P. Harre, secretary of the Automobile Association (Otago) said that the association, in collaboration with northern bodies, attempted a few years ago to get a telephone, but the cost was prohibitive. The matter would no doubt be investigated again. Such a fall of snow was most unusual in the summer months. Had it occurred on a week day the snow plough-grader would have been working. But in such Isolated districts the operator leaves his charge and travels sometimes many miles to his home for the week-end. The happening is unlikely to be repeated. but in the meantime there is a possibility of a snow slide. Rain was falling in a light drizzle when the party left.