FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

Hokitika Guardian, 16 September 1926, Page 4

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

TERM f.\\\L FACE ADVANCING

CHRISTCHURCH. Sept. Id

A visitor to Christchurch at present is Mr Alee Graham, of AVailio, South Westland, who gave a “Press” representative some interesting information relative- to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Regarding' the Franz Josef. Mr Graham said that its terminal fneo was •showing great advancement, owing to the bigger volume of ito — practically an ice wave—that is coming down. There whs a- similar state of things in 1900, when the face of the glacier made its. maximum advance. From 1009 till 1923 the face recoded about fourteen chains. It now lias begun again to advance, and judging by the volume of the ice stream at Cape Defiant*. he thought that, probably it would keep advancing for another ten years; but it was impossible u> say if it would advance as far as it did in 1909.

The important work in hand this velar is the erection of a hut at the Aimer Glacier, which will he similar in construction to the hut at Cape Defiance on the Franz Josef. The new hut will Ire a suitable base from which to make ascents of the main divide from the Minarets to the Conway Peaks; and also r. base from which to reach the ski-ing ground at the head of the Franz Josef. For those undertaking to cross the divide over Graham's saddle to roach the Mount Cook Hermitage, via tiie Make Bran and Hall. Hilts, the new hut will provide hi base. The site selected is at an elevation of 5500 feet.