ASCENT OF MOUNT EGMONT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4342, 24 March 1882, Page 3

ASCENT OF MOUNT EGMONT.

Mr Scherer, who, with his party, were the first to ascend Mount Egmont from the direction of Midhiret, gives the following description of the journey :— " I hare just returned from my third and only suooeeßf ul trip to Mount Egmont. As you are aware, Mr W. Gordon and I started last year, but did not succeed in getting up above half-way, having to return, owing to our time being limited. Ob March 9, 1 and four enterprising settlers from - Stratford started for the mountain by the Rodney road, getting no far as the scrub that day. Here we camped, aud the following morning; made an attempt to asoepd, but, owing to the thick fog which prevailed, were compelled to return to the camp again, but at the same time cutting a good track through about a mile of the scrub. The next day, Saturday (11th), at 7 a.m., we made another start from the camping place, and having pa Bed through the sorub, and coming to a wide gorge on our right, we crossed it, and followed its course till we reached the east spur. From there we had a splendid view of the oountry between Waitara and Hawera. We could see Tongariro and Buapehu in the distance, as well as the Raglan Heads. We found an abundance of mountain flowers, and an eatable berry, whilst ihobb covered the ground. Above us was a dense fog, bat we prooeedod along the side of the spar in spite of the bitter cold wind that was blowing, and got to the extreme eastern peak by half-past twelve o'clock. Owing to the thick fog we, of course, were unable to see. more than about two chains around us. The peak is like a knife blade in appearance ; and on the south and west sides aro frightfully steep cliffs. We were unable to see to the bottom on account of the fog. It is evident no one had been up the mountain by this route, for we could find no marks of any kind which would indicate the preßeuco of a human being. On reaching the top of the mountain I planted a good sized pole, and fixed to it a white flag. We also lixed some atones and sticks so as to indicate to future mountaineer* the spot -we reached. Owing to the cold and the dense fo^ which provailed, wo did not attempt to explore any of tho other peaks, but started for the camp, arriving there at about 4 p.m., getting back to Midhursfc en the Sunday a little after noon. On our way up we had to cross two rivers and about eight creeks ; whilst the last throe or four hundred feet before reaching the top is exceedingly steep. If there was a track cut for pedestrians through the bush I think that many from this part and Hawora would often ascend the mountain during the season. I should think £20 would do it ; and should a subscription be set afoot for that purpose I would give c- : my assistance and knowledge in pointing o .•■ the best and easiest way to aßcend Mount - union t from the east side."