UP MT. EGMONT, AT 64

Taranaki Daily News, 14 January 1935, Page 4

UP MT. EGMONT, AT 64

HAWERA WOMAN’S RECORD OLDEST TO REACH THE SUMMMIT. MRS. CHEQUER’S PERFORMANCE. PLEASED BUT TIRED AT END. Probably the oldest woman, to have ever reached the top of Mount Egmont is Mrs. Chequer, who made the ascent from Dawson Falls yesterday. She is almost 65 years of age but, though a little tired by the strenuous climb, she apparently thoroughly enjoyed it and lost no time on her return to the camp house in providing tea for the party which had accompanied her. Altogether 14 hours was taken from Dawson Falls to Dawson Falls, including stops on the way. Under the guidance of Messrs. C. Dingle and D. Lee, she left Dawson Falls at 5.40 a.m., reaching Fantham’s Peak at 10.10 a.m. A short stay was made at Syme Hut, the party setting out again at. 11 a.m. to reach the top at 3.20 p.m. Though she found the climbing exhausting, Mrs, Chequer was firm in her intention of reaching the top. Actually she found the descent more trying and was rather tired at times on the slippery tussock slope. On the ascent there was heavy going. The scoria was looser than is usual and most of the climbing was on this. The route taken was via Mackie’s Rocks. A good view was obtained from the Elenes of Egmont. The inland mountains were in sight nearly all the time and some particularly fine views of the South Island were obtained. Mrs. Chequer found, additional reward for her labours in this. After it was over, Mrs. Chequer admitted she had found her climb more strenuous than she had anticipated, but was thrilled with her achievement. “I would not do it again,” she said, “but I am immensely pleased that I succeeded this time.” So far as can be ascertained, Mrs. Chequer is the oldest woman to have reached the top. It is practically certain that no older woman has ever climbed from Dawson Falls at any rate.