ASCENT OF MOUNT COOK.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20288, 22 December 1927, Page 12

ASCENT OF MOUNT COOK.

NOTABLE FEAT BY HERMITAGE GUIDES.

(Special to Daily Aimes.) AUCKLAND, December 21.

“ The feat accomplished by the three Hermitage guides at Mount Cook is a noteworthy one,” said Professor Algie. of Auckland University College, in an interview this morning upon the record climb which was completed yesterday. Professor Algiq, who is a member of the Alpine Club, London, knows Mount Cook very well. Not long ago he made a successful ascent in company with Mrs Algie, and they achieved the distinction of being the first married couple to reach the summit.

“ The ascent accomplished this week is the twenty-ninth successful attempt to reach the summit of Mount Cook,” continued Professor Algie. “The feat,” he proceeded, “was all the more noteworthy by reason of the circumstances in which it was accomplished. It might bo said, perhaps, that the guides felt that some effort of this kind was required of them in view of the comparisons between West Coast and Hermitage guides, which was recently made by Mr Amery. Their successful ascent fully justifies the confidence which several Auckland climbers repose in the ability of tho Hermitage guides. The ascent of Mount Cook by the Linda Glacier route is always n dangerous and difficult task, and this is especially true in. December, when avalanches are very common.