AN INDISCREET EXCURSION

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 March 1947, Page 5

AN INDISCREET EXCURSION

i VERDICT OF CORONER DEATH OF TWO MEN ON ALPINE JOURNEY i <P.A.) Timaru, March 7 A careful review of the evidence revealed that this party of memI bers of the tramping club, in their zeal to do something worthy, imtortook an excursion, in which their ambition outbalanced their discretion and judgment, said the coroner (Mr. C. W. Wood), after giving his verdiet in Timaru to- | t«ay on the death of two members of the Victoria University College Tramping Club on the Newmann Range, beyond Lake Ohau, on January 1. The evidence of members of the party, as well as that of professional and; experienced amateur mountaineers, proved that in the party there was want of experience and organisation. neglect of proper supervision of equipment, and Jack of training and schooling in anticipating the possibity of a sudden changing of snow conditions, he said. His verdict was that the death of Stanley Charles Allaway was caused by laceration of the brain and fracture ot the skull from being caught in an avalanche of snow while climbing over the Newmann Range in the Southern Alps on January 1, 1947. The death of Roy McGregor Dickson was due to shock and haemorrhage, caused by a large penetrating wound in the upper abdomen, with a rupture of the liver, through being caught in an avalanche of snow while climbing over the Newmann Range on the same date. In compliance with the intention of a circular from the Justice Department to all coroners, Mr. Wood made the following suggestions, which were prompted by evidence:— That the Federated Mountain Clubs be urged to recommend to the authorities a system of supervision over mountain climbing parties on the following lines:—That, in view of the deplorable fatal accident list, together with the increasing enthusiasm of young people, and also with a view to providing facilities for tourists from abroad, consideration be given by the authorities to the training of sufficient men to act as qualified guides. (2) That by way of meeting conditions as they exist at present, groups of experienced climbers be appointed by the various clubs, to whom individuals and parties wishing to climb twill be recommended. Those appointed can give advice on the proposed routes and information on the conditions and equipment. (3) That the Federation and clubs intensify their effort in the direction of safety campaigns and instructions for would-be climbers. (4) That no individual, or party, should leave on mountain excursions without leaving information about the route and