FACING BIG CLIMB

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 903, 21 February 1930, Page 11

FACING BIG CLIMB

PARTY FOR HIMALAYAS READY LONG, CAREFUL PLANNING British Official Wireless RUGBY, Wednesday. The Alpine Ski Club last evening entertained Mr. F. S. Smythe, who has been selected as the British member of the international mountaineering expedition which is to visit the Himalayas shortly. It will attempt the ascent of Kanchanjanga, the extreme eastern horn of the Nepal Himalayas, 28,156 ft high. In replying to the toast of his health, proposed by Mr. L. S. Amery, exSecretary of State for the Dominions, who is an enthusiastic mountaineer, Mr. Smythe said the commander of the expedition, Professor Dyhrengurth, had been planning it for 20 years. He expressed great faith in the organisation and equipment of the expedition. Mr. Smythe said they hoped to secure permission to attack the mountain from the Nepal side and approach it from the east. Sir Martin Conway said they could not expect that above 20,000 ft the members would have a very pleasant time. To him Kanchanjanga had the appearance of much greater difficulty thau Mount Everest. The expedition referred to in the message will be the strongest which has ever visited the Himalayas. It will comprise famous climbers from Germany', Britain, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. Professor Dyhrengurth will be accompanied by his wife, an international tennis player. The party is to sail from Venice on Tuesday.