MISSING TRAMPERS.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18929, 26 April 1933, Page 7

MISSING TRAMPERS.

STILL NO NEWS.

SMOKE SEEN IN MOUNTAINS.

AIANY SEARGIIERS OUT.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) PALAIERSTON N., Tuesday. There is -still no news of the four trampers who have been missing in the Tararua Ranges since Saturday, Aliss AI. Williams, of Wanganui; Dr. W. B. Such, of Palmerston North; Mr E. Hill, of Aokautere, near Palmerston North; and Air A. 'H. O’Keefe, of Wellington. A Afount Bruce farmer reported smoke rising from a spot on the north side of the Ruamahanga River about one and a-half miles back into the ranges. Three men were despatched to the scene, -and they were to have reported back this evening, but had not done so by 9 p.m. Afount Bruce is about 17 miles back from Masterton.

Members of the Manawatu Tramping Club, however, point out that to get to the spot where the smoke Is reported the four trampers would have to pass over country that was known to them, and from which they could have n come out. The Tararua Ranges were clear from- mist and fog yesterday morning for the first time for a fortnight -and it was -seen that a heavy fall of snow had taken place. The higher peaks w>ere clothed in a white mantle. Later in tho day the mountains were again enshrouded. "Mist is the tramper’s worst enemy,” said -a tramper. ‘‘lt comes so suddenly and Individuals can -become separated from their parties so quickly. One can he lost while tying his bootlaces.” FORMER PARTY’S EXPERIENCE. PALAIERSTON N., Wednesday. Those who rec-all the experiences of two youths, Diedrich and Scanlon, six years ago, -still think there is hope In tire present case. These lads Ict'i Levin on Good Friday morning, April 15, 1927, and In spite of the most intensive search were mls-slng until Thursday, April 28, when, after all hope had been abandoned, they came out unassisted. They had -got -off the route, and when had weather came found shelter -in a trench.

The hope of those out searching is that the trampers have taken shelter on the ridge awaiting an improvement in the weather.

Ten well-equipped searchers are operating from the Te Matawal Hut. They have a portable radio transmitter and receiver, and during the week-end were maintaining communication with searchers -on tho Alasterton side,