AUSTRIA’S “DYING” GLACIERS

Grey River Argus, 15 April 1948, Page 8

AUSTRIA’S “DYING” GLACIERS

Austria’s famous Alpine glaciers are “dying,” according to Dr Rudolf von Klebelsberg, noted geologist of the University of Innsbruck. Surveys conducted during the past few years have proved, Dr Von Klebelsberg says, that all glaciers in the Tyrolian Alps have been steadily diminishing in both circumference and volume since 1944. He declined to express an opinion as to whether this was only a temporary phase or mea'nt that some day in the far distant future the glaciers would entirely disappear. The largest Austrian glacier, the Pasterzenkees in the Great Glockner —Austria’s highest mountain—is shrinking at an annual rate of 16 metres. Smaller glaciers, meanwhile, are shrinking up to 100 metres or more a year. In other parts oi the Alps the decrease in size has been in height rather than circumference. Dr von Klebelsberg said this development has created new crevasses and other dangers foi - mountain climbers. DUCK-SHOOT MISHAP. The duck-shooters had been sitting in the swamp for some hours waiting for their quarry, when one of them sneezed violently. “Here,” said his friend—“have a Lixoid quickly, its just the thing.” Lixoids are the little liquorice pellets for easing coughs, colds and sore throats. Only lOd. a tin. Manufacturers, Stacey Bros., Ltd., 385 Khyber Pass Road, Auckland. —3