POLAR SLEDGE DOGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20229, 13 April 1929, Page 12

POLAR SLEDGE DOGS.

USE AT MOUNT COOK. SUPPORT FOR PROPOSAL. The proposal of the Government to utilise tho 15 dogs attached to tho Byrd expedition to haul material from the Hermitage, Mount Cook, to Malte Brim Hut for tho reconstruction of a building there, is considered by Professor R. M. Algie to be a- very good one. Professor Algie is one of the most frequent visitors to Mount Cook, and although he has had no actual experience with dogs of the kind he has read much concerning their habits. Professor Algie said he considered the statement of Mr. W. H. Nicholson, of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, that the dogs were likely to be a menace, was exaggerated. " I can recall that during a visit to Mount Ivoscuisko, New South Wales, in 1916, there were some of these dogs there then for show," ho said. " The idea was, I believe, to attract tourists and to add to the realism of the conditions. No one feared them, and they did not prove themselves a menace in any way." Profesor Algie said the very best answer to any criticism was tho fact that. Mr. Innes Taylor, a man who had had a life experience with dogs, would bo in charge of them all the time. There was little likelihood that they would escape. " The suggestion to use them to haul material is a very good one, especially as winter is approaching." Professor Algie added. " Time will be saved, because otherwise men would have to bo employed to haul loads a distance of 14 miles. In summer horses could be used. The country is extremely rough, but these dogs would no doubt relish the work."