TASMAN HUT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3995, 7 October 1930, Page 20

TASMAN HUT.

MEMORIAL TO GUIDE BLOMFIELD.

Some interesting information regarding the Tasman Memorial Hut was given to members of the Christchurch Tramping and Mountaineering Club on Thursday evening by Mr A. J. Scott (says the Christchurch Times). The speaker said that the hut was primarily to commemorate the gallantry of Guide “ Teddy ” Blomfield in giving his clothes in a vain endeavour to save the lives of some of his party. — ln the second place, it would be a memorial to the unfortunate women. Finally, the hut would be most useful for climbers. Mr Scott said that it was this last point he wished to stress to members of the Tramping Club. The site of the hut was the De la Beche Bivouac at the junction of the Tasman and Rudolf Glaciers, only seven and ahalf miles from the end of the motor road at the Ball hut. The hut would be a base for climbing no fewer than 26 mountains of over 7500 feet, including such notable peaks as Haidinger, the Minarets, Malte Brun, and Elie de Beaumont.

The hut would be under the control of the New Zealand Alpine Club and would be available for members of mountaineering clubs at a nominal charge. It was hoped to raise sufficient funds not only to build the hut but to equip it with blankets, kerosene stove and utensils. Each party going there would have to pack up their own stores and kerosene; an excellent arrangement would be to use a car as a base camp near the Ball but. Stores would probably be kept in the hut by the Hermitage and Waiho authorities for the use of parties going over Graham’s Saddle. Mr Wigley and the Graham brothers were in Wellington, and no doubt the necessary arrangements would be made at once between the Alpine Club and the other interested parties. A considerable sum of money was still required; and to raise the bulk of this an “ Alpine Evening ” would shortly be held in Christchurch. Mr Peter Graham would give an address on “ Mountaineering,” whilst a number of pioneer climbers would give lantern talks. Mr A. P. Harper -would deal with “ The South Westland National Park,” Dr E. Teichelmann with “The Franz Josef Glacier,” and Messrs G. E. Mannering and W. A. Kennedy with the Mount Cook district. Mr Scott concluded by asking members to help by taking tickets for this function.

Considerable interest was shown in the scheme by all present and after some discussion it was decided to give the Alpine Club every possible assistance. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Scott.