MOUNT COOK IN WINTER

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 58, 6 September 1926, Page 5

MOUNT COOK IN WINTER

SIB JOHN FINDLAY'S PRAISE.

That winter at Mount Cook affords more pleasure than the summer, that the weather conditions are not as cold as on the East Coast, and that tho trip from Timaru to Mount Cook is one of the cheapes': in New Zealand, are statements made by Sir John Findlay, who has lately returned from a fortnight's visit to The Hermitage, and these remarks, Sir John sail to a Southern reporter, are echoed by the majority of visitors. "There wore 103 guests at The Hermitage tho night beforo I left," he said. "This illustrates the extent of Mount Cook's popularity in winter time. In August of last year, during the three weeks I was there, there were fully as many visitors as are there now, and one hears the opinion expressed very generally that the attractions and pleasures of The Hermitage and the surrounding mountains in winter are greater than in summer. During both these winter visits most days were calm and gloriously sunny. "The prevailing idea of the great majority of the people of New Zealand who have not been to this region of great Alpine beauty is that it is uncomfortably cold. This is entirely a mistake. The air is stimulating, inducing exorcise, but there is no discomfort from cold. On this visit snow fell round The Hermitage for only one day, but those who wanted ski-ing and other winter sports got them by easy journeys to the huts or by short climbs to the nearer snow fields. '•"I have visited the old and the new Hermitage in summer between thirty and forty times during the last thirtysix years, and I am satisfied that there is _ more pleasure to be found there in winter than in summer. The great building is most comfortable! The heating system is up to date and thoroughly efficient and reliable, and tho electrical installation for light, radiators, and cooking is one of the best in New Zealand." Tho journey in winter takes no longer than in summer, according to Sir John. His party left The Hermitage at 8.30 in the morning, and, after stopping at Pukaki for morning tea and at Fairlie for lunch, they reached Timaru at 3 p.m., in ample time to catch either the Northern or Southern express.