DOGS AT THE ALPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20332, 13 August 1929, Page 8

DOGS AT THE ALPS.

SLEDGING OF MATERIALS.

GOOD PROGRESS OF WORK.

With the aid of the huskies of the Bvrd expedition good progress has been mad# with the transport from the Hermitage, Mount Cook, of the materials for the new Malta Brun Hut. A letter from the dogmaster states that so far about 300 miles of sledging have been done. The doga are now engaged in taking, the timber and roofing iron from their base at "Husky Camp" over three difficult miles to the Ball Hut.

The route is along the side of the steep lateral moraine of the Tasman Glacier, and while the dogs are able to run quite easily on the slope the weighted sledge continually slips sideways. It is intended to complete this section of the work before beginning on the final 10 miles, rising 2300 ft., of comparatively good track up the glacier. Just behind the Ball Hut a sharp drop occurs in the now snow-covered moraine, down which a load could not be dragged. A chute has been built at the bottom and : a depot established.

One trip has been made, with timber and supplies, right to the Malte Brun. On this occasion 8001b. were taken up in four hours, and the return journey was made in less than half that time. The same work undertaken by men would probably have occupied two men for at least 10 days. Mr. Innes-Taylor, who is in charge, states that both men and dogs are fit and well.