NIGHT ON MOUNT EGMONT.

Matamata Record, Volume XIII, Issue 1111, 3 April 1930, Page 7

NIGHT ON MOUNT EGMONT.

I MAN ALONE IN THE CRATER. A unique venture was undertaken by Mr H. N. Murray, of Eltham, when he spent a night alone in the crater of j Mount Egmont recently. | Mr Murray left the Dawson Falls I Hostel about 3.30 p.m. and climbed the mountaian with the idea of spending the night on the summit. He had a vefy heavy pack, containing a tent, a Primus lamp, clothing, and blankets, The conditions were yery cold aftei passing Fantham ’a Peak, and thf scoria near the summit was frozen as a result of recent rains, making a foothold somewhat precarious with such a heavy pack. Reaching the top at sunset, Mr Murray was treated to a splendid panoramic view. The temperature was at freezing point and there was very little wind. He pitched his tent within a few feet of the trig station ind soon had a meal prepared. Tho temperature dropped a ’ little until ibout 9.30 p.m., when 30 degrees of t’rost were recorded. At 11 p.m. the ;emperature was 34 degrees, and this leld until daylight. Owing to the brightness of the moon the visibility vas very good. Toward morning the vind increased from the west, but' did lot cause Mr Murray any discomfort. Before dawn the to£s of the Ruahine, Fararua, and Kaitoke Ranges were ilainly visible and Tongariro, Ngauru. loe, and Ruapehu could be seen. There vas no break in the clouds, which ex;cnded in all directions as far as could >o seen. The descent was begun soon ifter 6.30 a.m.