VETERAN CLIMBER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 270, 15 November 1945, Page 4

VETERAN CLIMBER

ASCENT OF MT. EGMONT YEARS AGO SCENE REVISITED Exactly 50 years after he had made what is believed to be the first winter ascent of Mount Egmont, Mr. A. P. Harper, well-known New Zealand alpinist, revisited the mountain at the week-end to attend a committee meeting of the New Zealand Federation of Mountain Clubs. Now over 80 years old Mr. Harper climbed at the weekend, ascending almost to the top of Fantham’s Peak, before returning to the hostel at Dawson Falls. Interviewed at Dawson Falls, Mr. Harper recalled his historic ascent of Mount Egmont in Ihe second week of November, 1895. “I believe it was the first winter ascent of the mountain,’’ he said. “People believed it to be impossible.’’ The son of the vicar of Patea, Mr. Harper was visiting a brother at Manaia when he decided to attempt to climb Egmont. “Although people tried to dissuade us from attempting the climb, my brother and I considered the summit could be reached,” said Mr. Harper. KAPUNI RIVER FOLLOWED

With his brother, Mr. Harper set oft from the base of the mountain, following the Kapuni River above Dawson Falls. Climbing to Fantham’s Peak they were able to continue to the summit of the mountain.

Recalling the feat, Mr. Harper ex? plained that when the ascent was made there were few tracks and none of the present-day climbing facilities. The weather was clear and fine, similar to conditions yesterday. “Many changes have been made since we made that ascent," said Mr. Harper. “Good roads and tracks make the mountain most accessible. Taranaki people are fortunate to have such close climbing facilities."

Mr. Harper is one of the oldest climbers in New Zealand and is a foundation member of the Now Zealand Alpine Club. He has visited virtually every alpine range in the Dominion, and in his early life he carried out the extensive exploration on the west coast of the South Island.