NZ. MOUNTAINS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1927, Page 4

NZ. MOUNTAINS

INTEREST TO SCIENCE, IMPRESSIONS OF EMINENT GEOLOGIST. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 22. A distinct link with New Zealand’s ear,'/ explorers and scientists—von Hnast, Hoclistetter and Reiseliek—is provided by Professor F. X. Schaffer,

Professor of Geoiogy at the University of Vienna, who is at present in Christchurch. Professor Schaffer, in addition to being a successor in Vienna to flic scientists named, is (as they did) studying the geology of the Dominion. He is collecting material for a series of volumes on geology, and in this work he will include much about New Zealand. Professor Schaffer travelled from Nelson to Hcefton via the Uuller Gorge, and then made the trip to Christchurch via Arthurs Pass.” 11 Your mountains,” lie declared, “ or so much as I have seen of them, are at least equal to our alpine system in Europe, as regards the scenery especially.” Professor Schaffer saw the mountains under good conditions, as they were covered with fresh sjiotv. ‘‘ Arthur’s Pass,” he said, “is really wonderful, and is equal to anything

that can lie found in Europe.” The vegetation especially interested him, and lie was enthusiastic about the beauties of the primeval forest on the western side of the pass. “ From what f have seen,” ho remarked, “ it will lie a great work for the future studying the glaciation of tiie mountains. I have seen everywhere very remarkable traces of glaciation and of the ice ago. At one time the mountains must have been covered by ice to a much greater extent than now. The study of that would lie a wonderful work for any explorer. Of course, it would ho a work of years and years, hut I believe valuable scientific results would come out of such a research.” Yesterday morning Professor Schaffer visited tho Christchurch Museum, m which he takes more than a scientific interest, for Dr Hochstetter and Professor Re is click, predecessors of Dr Schaffer in Vienna, were both intimately connected with its foundation. Dr Hochstetter, while in New Zealand, made the first portion of the collection of New Zealand exhibits for which the Vienna museum is notable. This work was carried on later by Professor Reisohek. Professor Schaffer was warm in liis praises of the Canterbury-

-Museum, which ho thinks the best in New Zealand. “ I was astonished,” lie said, “ to see such a tasteful building and such fine exhibits, especially in natural history.” He met Professor Speight, with whom lie has expressed a wish to exchange materials between the Canterbury and Vienna Museums. Professor Schaffer mentioned that Professor Reischek’s diary, covering the twelve years he spent in New Zealand in the eari'y days, had recently been published. The accounts given of the scientist’s life among the Maoris were, he said, especially interesting. Professor Schaffer has a good word to say regarding fTie facilities for travel in New Zealand. “It is very easy, indeed, to travel,” he said. “ I had no idea you hnd such comfortable hotels and such good railway, steamer, and motor facilities. The trains are verypunctual. We are not used to such punctuality in Europe, and the boats are very good. It is only that New Zealand is so far away that more people do not come.” From Christchurch Professor Schaffer will go to the Hermitage at Alount Cook. Later lie will probaßly visit Dunedin before returning to Wellington to Bail for Australia. i ,