13 July 1992 Lincoln Students Swap Lectures for Snow Rescue Work

Over 100 Lincoln University students have joined volunteers toiling in the snow-ravaged farmland of central and northern Canterbury as the region races against time to rescue trapped and starving stock.

Many of the students are from farming families and know well the desperation of the situation. Others with mountaineering and alpine experience are also part of the student taskforce. They have gone to the Hororata and Darfield areas where operations are being co-ordinated by MAF and Federated Farmers, and to Amberley where the Regional Council is involved in rescue efforts.

Farm Management lecturers Rod Plank, Neil Gow and Peter Gaul co-ordinated the student contribution when teaching resumed at the University this morning after the mid-term recess. Lincoln's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bruce Ross, immediately agreed to suspend the start of diploma classes for two days to allow students to assist with the urgent task.

The students have made their own ways to the various headquarters for assigning to farms. Lincoln staff provided lists of things to take and wear but most of the volunteers have experience of stock and snow work. One student has taken his team of dogs with him.

"Many of the farmers in the region are well known to us either as farm tutors or field trip hosts," said Mr Gaul. "We feel a personal debt to assist them in their hour of need. With up to three-quarters of a million stock stranded, there is a massive job to be done. The student volunteers are to be commended for their willingness to get stuck in and help."

Most of the students are involved in raking access paths for sheep to get to vehicle tracks for feeding out.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand