HEIGHTS CONQUERED

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 271, 6 February 1928, Page 1

HEIGHTS CONQUERED

AUCKLANDERS’ SUCCESS ADVENTURES IN THE ALPS . Although the Murchison Glacier is the second largest in the Southern Alps, and is flanked on either side by peaks rising to a height of 10,000 ft, it is known to only a few adventurous ’climbers. A party, however, comprising Professor and Mrs. Algie, of Auckland, Mr. Alf. Brustad, and Mr. Kenneth Grinling recently traversed the whole length of the Tasman and Murchison glaciers, a journey which is believed to have been accomplished only twice before. This party also ascended two of the peaks of Moiint Hutton, the highest point in the Liebig Range. The third peak on this mountain, which still remains to be conquered, had to be abandoned owing to wet weather. The base camp was established at an altitude of 5.000 ft on the western slopes of Bell Peak. From here ascents were made of Bell Peak and two unnamed peaks, all three of which were previously unclimbed. Though more difficult from a climbing point of view, these peaks were about equal to Ruapehu in altitude. Owing to the long spell of warm weather the party found the Murchison River much higher than usual. For over five hours on each journey they had to ford the innumberable streams which cover the river bed. Much of the time the Aucklanders were waist-high in the water.