MT. EVEREST.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 4 October 1924, Page 13

MT. EVEREST.

EXTRACTS PROM A CLIMBER’S LETTER. MOUNTAINS. COMPARISONS WITH N.Z. ‘ln the course of a letter dated Aua8> Mr. W. H. Lewin, editor of the “individualist,”, sends to Air. Samuel *urner some extracts from a letter received from a member of the Everest expedition, written from Thibet when he was at an altitude of 17,500 feet. He says, inter alia: “I was much interested in Air. Turner’s letter. His Tutoko achievement was undoubtedly splendid. I should be delighted to meet him, as you suggest, if he comes to London.” Air. Turner, as is well known, has been very keen to have the opportunity to climb Everest, and in this connection the writer said: “I think he has been unfortunate in lacking the opportunities of mixing with greater personalities in the climbing world. I doubt if he would ever, as a private individual, get the necessary passport from Thibet from the Dalai Lain a, who is a progressing and progressive personage. Perhaps Turner will take the view that I am at present inclined to take., that Everest-has been climbed. . . . Everest is merely a feat, a stunt, and iar short of Aft. Coaly or Tutoko from a technical point of view. Also, the greater part .of pleasure in the physical sense goes at these high altitudes. The labour of breathing and the general lowering of vitality in most people reduces climb* mg to an effort of will alone—all other of the finer senses and feelings cease to function.” Air. Turner, it may be added, has still the same ambitions regarding Everest, and is of opinion that the mountain has not yet been climbed.