CONQUEST OF MT. COOK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22821, 31 August 1937, Page 5

CONQUEST OF MT. COOK

EARLY ATTEMPTS RECALLED Some details of the many attempts made to conquer Mount Cook," the highest mountain in Now Zealand, were given last night by Mr. J. W. Goodwin, one of the speakers at the oratory contest of the Literary and Debating Societies' Union. The reports published by tho explorer and scientist, von Haast, roused such interest both in New Zealand and overseas, that Governor Bowen offered Government aid to any member of the English Alpine Club who would undertake the ascent, said Mr. Goodwin. In 1882 tho Rev. Spotswood Green with two Swiss guides reached within twq hundred feet of the summit, but turned back as they feared to be overtaken by darkness. Two New Zealand climbers, Mannering and Dixon, made five attempts, but were handicapped by lack of experience and bad weather which also prevented tho two Ross brothers from reaching the summit in 1894. Graham and Fyfc then explored a route from the west which finally led them to success on Christmas Day, 1894. "Thus New Zealand climbers, self-trained in the craft of mountaineering, achieved what experienced English and Swiss climbers had failed to do," Mr. Goodwin said.