NIGHT ON MOUNTAIN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20516, 18 March 1930, Page 10

NIGHT ON MOUNTAIN.

ALONE IK THE CRATER. CLIMBER'S UNIQUE VENTURE. STRIKING VIEWS OBTAINED. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Monday. A unique venture was undertaken by Mr. H. N. Murray, of Eltham, when he spent a night alone in the crater of Mount Egmont. Mr. Murray left the Dawson Falls hostel about 3.30 p.m. and climbed the mountain with the idea of spending the night on the summit. He had a very heavy pack, containing a tent, a Primus lamp, clothing and blankets. The conditions were very cold after passing Fantham's Peak, and the 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 and soon had a meal prepared. The temperature dropped a little until about 9.30 p.m., when 30 degrees of frost were recorded. At 11 p.m. the temperature was 34 degrees, and this held until daylight. Owing to the brightness of the moon visibility was very good. Toward morning the wind increased from the west, but did not cause Mr. Murray any discomfort. Before dawn the tops of the Ruahine, Tararua and Kaitoke Ranges were plainly visible, and Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu could be seen. There was no break in the clouds, which extended in all directions as far as could be seen. The descent was begun soon after 6.30 a.m.