BRITISH ATTEMPT ON EVEREST

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 2, 4 January 1937, Page 12

BRITISH ATTEMPT ON EVEREST

Other Nations Awaiting ; the Opportunity (Own Correspondent: Air Mail)’ LONDON, Nov. 8. A new attempt is to be made on Alount Everest next year, if th 6 Tibetan Government consents. A refusal is unlikely. Professor G. Ingle Finch, who achieved the height of 27,300 feet on Everest in 1922—the total height of the mountain is 29,141 feet —said to a “Sunday Express” representative:— ‘/Everest can be conquered, and Britain must do it, for other nations are only waiting to be given tho chance. “ There is no blamo attaching to any one of those fine young men who went out earlier this year and were able to reach only 23,000 feet. “Supposing it became necessary for the British Army in India to establish an observation post on tho top oi Everest. What would happen? “The general would say to his chief of staff ‘Find me a man, up to the rank of captain, who is an expert mountaineer, and who, you think, has the necessary qualifications.’ “Such a man would be found. “The general would say to him: *1 want you to establish an observation post on the top of Everest, and ask for whatever you want in reason, and it will be given to you.* “The captain and his party would get there. “That is the spirit needed in the next attempt. “ There are plenty of first-rate men who would love tho opportunity of leading an expedition. “The team must have the fullest knowledge of oxygen. Without it we should have perished in 3922. “The committee is still afraid of oxygen. They used to object to it on moral grounds. It was not i sporting’ to attack a mountain with artificial help. “It adds to the risk, of course, but it also adds to the chances, and that is what the real mountaineer cares about. “This year they say they were beaten by the weather —the monsoon came earlier than they expected. It is a pity they weren’t out there in time to take the good fortnight when it comes, as it always does.” It is probable that a new committee will be formed for the next expedition, and that the climbing arrangements will be left with the Alpine Club. The Royal Geographical Society, it is understood, will make the necessfl*’political arrangements.