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Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1928, Page 3

The sun, at- the present moment, is suffering from an attack ot “ spots, the largest of which experts say is 12,000 miles in diameter. Around this central nucleus is a large disturbed area ol the sun’s surface with a length J 42.000 miles. 3'he spot, therefore, lias a total area of over a hundred million square miles, and is easily visible to the naked eye protected hy dark or smoked glass. In some quarters it is thought that this will have a very do iiiito effect on the terrestrial condiions but the only connexion that has boon proved 'between sun spots and the earth is the way in which the earth’s magnet ism is atfected. A magnetic storm is usually associated with big spots but these may possibly miss the earth altogether. A second magnetic storm may lie expected when the sun !ms revolved on its own axis an excursion occupying 27 days. Aurora lights are usually seen in these circumstances also.

An ascent of Mount Rollcston under ideal weather conditions was made on .-(Hildav !jv Mr Fraser,, schoolmaster.

Btira, accompanied by Air A. H. Ahn-|r-ldt. as guide, also of Otira. The climbers left the Arthur’s Pass Hostel it 3 a.m. and travelling via the Ilea Icy , alley, reaching toe summit in seven and three-quarter hours. Ihe conditions were made extremely difficult owing to the warm weather melting the snow and making it very soft. On arrival at the summit the snow was found to lie in a better condition and was from twelve to twenty I'cet in depth. Owing to the clear atmosphere aii excellent view was obtained of the surrounding districts, including the sea coasts on both sides ol the island. Iho homeward trip proved to be more dangerous than the ascent, as the snow was getting softer towards the afteinoon. Crevasses were opening up in all directions and avalanches coming down. Pieces cvf rocks were becoming detached. After a strenuous and exciting day the hostel was reached at 4.15 p.in.