EVEREST EXPEDITION

Taranaki Daily News, 27 October 1932, Page 7

EVEREST EXPEDITION

BEQUEST FOB INCLUSION. NEfW' ZEALANDER' APPLIES. Application has been made by a wellknown New Zealand climber for inclusion in the party to attempt the ascent of Mount Everest. Mr. A. P. Harper, president of the New Zealand Alpine Club,, said last ■week that on behalf of the applicant he had cabled Home, but had received i" reply from the committee saying that it was a difficult matter to settle by cable, and asking him to • send the qualifications by post. He had then written to General Bruce, the leader of the last two expeditions, and to the committee, sending the full particulars tnd qualifications of the applicant. As there would probably be from 20 to 30 applicants for every position in the expedition, said Mr. Harper, the inclusion of a New Zealander seemed doubtful. The qualifications of the man who had applied through him, however, would be quite adequate. New Zealand could produce as good men as other countries,' but not so many. The party would include scientists, such as botanists, geologists, medical men—required in view of the effect of the ratified atmosphere —special transport officers to organise the long and difficult transport problems of reaching the base camp, and a strong climbing party. It was, therefore, to be presumed that where a man could combine the climbing qualification , with any scientific knowledge, he would probably be preferred to a' man. who was expert in only one thing. The qualification on which Mr. Harper bases his hope that a New Zealander will be included is not only that of experience of climbing in difficult' country, but being willing and able to carry heavy packs.