Seven deaf and mute Japanese climbers are angry at newly knighted Prime Minister, Sir Robert Muldoon, ordering them down from Mt Cook yesterday, says a leading mountain guide.
Sir Robert said the Japanese Ambassador, Mr Teruji Akiyama, agreed with his action. But the general manager of the Mt Cook-based Alpine Guides Ltd, Mr Brian Carter, said the move was unprecedented and had serious implications for climbers in New Zealand.
The climbers, belonging to the Tokyo Deaf and Mute Climbing Society, were airlifted off the mountain by an RNZAF Iroquois helicopter after Sir Robert’s order.
ConcernDangerous climbing conditions in the area had earlier prompted concern among Mt Cook National Park rangers about the safety of the Japanese climbers in their attempt on the peak.
And although Mr Carter had said he thought the Japanese were under-estimating New Zealand conditions, he was later surprised by Sir Robert’s action.
He said: “It’s unprecedented. The Prime Minister decided to have the Japanese evacuated against their will.”
However, Sir Robert said today there had been a “very real chance of a major tragedy” if he had not ordered the party off the mountain.
The number of mountain accidents was worrying the Government, he said. There had been so many deaths and injuries, somebody had to be concerned.
“I had full reports yesterday and there was a very real chance of a major tragedy.
“At that point I felt the Government had the responsibility to take them off the mountain.
Meanwhile the chairman of the Aorangi National Parks and Reserves Board, Mr H W Fisher, said in Timaru today he believed a correct decision had been made in bringing the climbing party down.
“I find it disturbing that a team of handicapped climbers, no matter how experienced, should be foolhardy enough not to have a climber or guide in their party who can communicate verbally for assistance if required,” he said.
“I don’t want to interfere with individual rights, but they should give consideration to those who are concerned with their welfare.”
