NIGHT ON MOUNT EGMONT.

Putaruru Press, Volume VIII, Issue 332, 3 April 1930, Page 1

NIGHT ON MOUNT EGMONT.

MAN ALONE IN THE CRATER. A unique venture was undertaken by j Mr H. N. Murray, of Eltham, when | he spent a night alone in the crater of Mount Egmont recently. Mr Murray left the Dawson. Falls Hostel about 3.30 p.m. and climbed the mountaian with the idea of spending r,he night on the summit. He had a very heavy pack, containing a tent, a Primus lamp, clothing, and blankets. The conditions were very cold after passing Fantham’s Peak, and the scoria near the summit was frozen as a result of .ecent rains, making a foothold somewhat precarious with such a heavy pack. Reaching the top at sunset, Mr Murray was treated to a splendid panoramic view. The temperature was at freezing point and there was very little wind. He pitched his tent within a few feet of the trig station and soon had a meal prepared. The temperature dropped a little until about 9.30 p.m., when 30 degrees of frost were recorded. At 11 p.m. the temperature was 34 degrees, and this 1 held until daylight. Owing to the brightness of the moon the visibility was very good. Toward morning the wind increased from the west, but did not cause Mr Murray any discomfort. Before dawn the tops of the Ruahine, Tararua, and Kaitoke Ranges were plainly visible and Tongariro, Ngauru. hoe, and Ruapehu could be seen. There was no break in the clouds, which extended in all directions as far as could be seen. The descent was begun soon after 6.30 a.m.