ALPINE-CLIMBING.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5557, 7 April 1905, Page 6

ALPINE-CLIMBING.

A RECENT CHARGE REFUTED. Some three weeks ago a Miss G. E. Benham, a visitor from England, with a reputation as a climber, was a visitor to tho “Hermitage” at Mount Cook. From there she wrote to tile Tiinaru “Post,” that after waiting for a month in tho hope of getting two guides with whom to climb tho neighbouring peaks, she had had to give it up as a bad job, as it seemed impossible to get the guides. Miss Benham went on to say, “I am leaving here, having done practically nothing in the way of climbing. It is not safe to attempt ascents over snowcovered glaciers with less than three on a rope, and it seems to be hopeless to wait till I can get two guides tor myself. Mount Cook is out of the question, because of its expense. Ihe charges for tho guides hero arc enormous, and it would cost in© £l2, or probably more, for tho ascent, and I do not think tho game Is worth the candle. lam naturally very disappointed, as my chief object in coming to New Zealand was to climb some of your mountains, but the Government Tourist Department would not allow mo any reduction in the way of guides’ feds, etc., so I must go my way without climbing.” Thus wrote tho lady who had come all the way from England with tho chief object of climbing, and she objected publicly. to pay £l2 for a four days’ climb (with two guides) to tho top of Mount Cook—the highest peak in Australasia. Seeing that tho lady’s remarks were given great publicity, the Tourist Department requested a report from Chief Guido Clark, at Mount Cook. He writes as follows;—“On Miss Benham s arrival hero she was offered various opportunities, in company with others, for a preliminary survey of the district generally, of which she declined to avail herself, evidently .doubting her own abilities (or fearing exposure). It was with tho utmost- difficulty that she was persuaded to accompany an experienced climber like Mr Low (Graham and myself) on- a safe and interesting ascent like Mount Darwin. On this, her first attempt, with everything in her favour, time, glorious weather, and ample assistance, she proved herself an utter failure, and succumbed to difficulties which would not be considered unsurmountable by ordinary lady visitors without any pretensions_ to mountaincoring. Though this experience convinced me that Miss Benham could not climb, I gave her further opportunities, namely, Hochstetter Dome and Ball Pass, two ascents which are negotiated every season successfully hy strangers to mountaineering. I regret to say that o-n both these occasions my utmost efforts were ineffectual, she proved herself lacking in every quality that goes to make an Alpine climber. Notwithstanding these failures, as soon as Guide Graham and myself were free, our services were placed unreservedly at her disposal, but she then placed her own incapacity behind; the false charge of exorbitant guide-fees, as compared to Switzerland. As a matter of fact, the fees are practically the same for an ascent of Mount Cook as for, say, Mont Blanc, though' the conditions of ascent are entirely different. Mont Blano takes one and a half or two days, and is almost a trodden path. Mount Cook takes four or five days from Hermitage base, and is attended, with difficulties throughout. I have no doubt if' you refer this patter to any of the visitors during Miss Benham’s stay at the Hermitage (January 26th to February 33rd) they will amply corroborate my statements, amongst others, his Lordship the Bishop of Wellington; Dr Teichelmann, Hokitika- Rev Newton Boss, Westland; Mr Low’ of England (box 488, Christchurch.)” Th© Bishop of Wellington was asked to give an 1 opinion as to th© treatment visitors (including Miss Benham) received during their stay at the Hermitage. He writes;—“l have returned quite lately from the Hermitage, and have pleasure in stating that Guides Clark and Graham behaved during the whole of my stay of four weeks with the utmost consideration to every visitor at the Hermitage.—Frederic Wellington (Bishop).”