WILD SCENES OF WELCOME

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27073, 23 June 1953, Page 10

WILD SCENES OF WELCOME

Expedition Back In Katmandu (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) KATMANDU, June 21. There were tumultuous scenes of welcome when the victorious Everest expedition returned to Katmandu. The reception began early yesterday, when Colonel Sir John Hunt and four of the other members of the expedition, who arrived earlier in the week, met Sir Edmund Hijlary and Tensing Bhotia at Banepa, the last village on the road 20 miles from Katmandu. The excited crowds who met the expedition miles out along the rough mountain tracks swelled to tens of thousands as they progressed slowly along the bumpy road to Katmandu. On the outskirts of the city, Tensing’s wife and two daughters greeted him and joined him, Sir John Hunt and Sir Edmund Hillary in a landau. Preceded by four girls carrying Nepali flags, the procession wound its way into the capital to the main triumphal arch. There, the Prime Minister of Nepal (Mr Koirala) was waiting to greet them. Amid tumultuous cheers the Prime Minister congratulated them, though at times he was in danger of being overwhelmed by the jostling throng. Bands on either side of the carriage played loudly, but they were almost unheard as the procession travelled along the narrow, winding city streets. As the procession neared the Royal Palace, Everest could be seen distantly glowing in the setting sun. Behind the landau came jeeps carrying other members of the expedition on their bonnets. The climbers were still bearded, and wore their trekking clothes.

In the central square, Hanumon Dhoka, the carriage halted, and Sir John Hqnt, Sir Edmund Hillary, and Tensing went to a balcony. In a brief speech, Sir John Hunt paid tribute to the Sherpa porters who had assisted the expedition, and especially to the “greatest Sherpa of all time,” Tensing himself. Sir Edmund Hillary said the reception was the greatest experience of his life.

Reception by King Finally, the landau came to rest at the foot of twin curving stairways leading to the great white Royal Palace. Sir John Hunt, Sir Edmund Hillary, and Tensing walked together to the long reception room, dimly lit by five great chandeliers. At the end of the room King Tribhuvan sat on a silver decorated throne with two of his sons on either side. Lady Hunt sat with his two Queens on the right. The King placed the ribbon of the Order of Nepal Tara about Tensing’s neck. Sir John Hunt and Sir Edmund Hillary then received their ribbons of the Order of Gorkha Dakishina Bahu. Sir John Hunt presented the other members of the expedition to the King.

Throughout Katmandu triumphal arches and models of Everest are to be seen everywhere. The next few days will be taken up with receptions for members of the expedition.