ALPINE CLIMBING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2967, 25 January 1911, Page 41

ALPINE CLIMBING.

CANTERBURY PARTY'S EXPERIENCE. JFkom. Our. Own Cokkesfoxdent;) WELLINGTON, January 20. Mr J. R. Dennis'ton, of Peel Forest, South Canterbury, gave me details of his mountaineering in the Southern Alps during the Christmas holiuays. Accompanied bv the well-known guide, Jack Clark, Mr Denniston reached the Hermitage on December 2, and made his headquarters there. His doings on subsequent days included the following : —Climbed Mount Seely (in one day from the Hermitage); climbed the Footstool; climbed the Nun's Veil with Miss Deraniston and Miss Julius (the fifth ascent); climbed Elie de Beaumont (10,400 ft), with Guide Cla.rk and Miss Julius (the second complete ascent), Miss Julius being the first to make it; climbed Malte Brim (10,400 ft), with the same party (the fifth ascent). The party climbed Mount Aylmer, a maiden snow peak: climbed both peaks of the Minarets and De La Beeclie. Finally, Mr DennJßton and Miss Julius, with Guide Clark, attempted the ascent of Mount Cook from the Tasman side, by Green's uncompleted route. Leaving the Haast Snvoaaic at 11.15 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, by lantern light, using the steps in the frozen snow which they had kicked when it was soft, they traversed the glacier dome, the plateau, and the Tinda glacier to Green's Saddle, which they reached in 5 hours less than Green's time and Maimwaring and Dixon's time in their most successful attempt by this route. Unfortunately the rocks, which from below had looked practicable, were quite impossible owing to nearly every cranny and foothold being filled with ice, and the idea of any further ascent had to be abandoned. The climb, though unsuccessful, was very interesting, and splendid views north and south were obtained.