AIR TRANSPORT FOR CLIMBERS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21417, 8 March 1935, Page 8

AIR TRANSPORT FOR CLIMBERS

PARTY VISITS HEAD OF A RAW AT A The practical utility of air transport as an aid to mountaineering has been demonstrated by the experience of the party consisting of Misses Roberts and M. B. Scott (Dunodin), the Rev. Canon H. E. Newton (England), Mr Alec Graham, and Guide J. Cox, who were taken into the country at the head of the Arawata river, South Westland, by Mr J. C. Mercer, chief pilot for Air Travel (N.Z.), Ltd. The country is practically on the dividing line between Westland and Otago, and is accessible only by air. Mr Mercer transported the five passengers and 6001b of provisions from the Franz Josef in three trips in the one dav, starting at 11 a.m. and finishing at 7.30 p.m. Photographs of the party and of their base camp in the Arawata were printed in "The Press" yesterday. The party will spend some time climbing in the district, and Mr Mercer, who has been in touch with them, reports that they have already had two successful climbs. They have been particularly impressed w'ith the magnificent view of Mount. Aspiring, Otago's highest peak, from the west. In addition to transporting the partv into the headwaters of the river Mr Mercer also carried out a recon- • naisance for them from the air, and was able to select a good place for a high camp at an altitude of 4000 feel, with a good water supply from mountain tarns.