BRITISH ATTEMPT ON EVEREST

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 336, 18 January 1937, Page 8

BRITISH ATTEMPT ON EVEREST

Other Nations Awaiting the Opportunity A new attempt is to be made on Mount Everest next year, if the Tibetan Government consents. A refusal is unlikely. Professor G. Ingle Finch, who achiev cd the height of .27,300 feet on Everest in 1922 —the total height of the mountain is 29,141 feet —said to a “Sunday Express” representative: — “Everest can be conquered, and Britain must do it, for other nations are only waiting to be given the chance “There is no blame attaching to any one of those fine young men who went jut earlier this year and were able to reach only 23,000 feet.. “Supposing it became nece.'.sary for the British Army in India to establish a.n observation post on the top oi Everest. What would happen? “The general would say to his chief ■jf staff ‘Find me a man, tip to the rank of captain, who is an expert moup ;aineer, and who, you think, has the accessary qualifications.’ “Such a man would be found. “The general would say to him: ‘1 vant you to establish an observation jost on the top of Everest, and ask for whatever you want in reason, and it will be given to you.’ “The captain and his party would jet there. “That is the spirit needed in the next attempt. “There are plenty of first-rate men who would love the opportunity off leading an expedition. “The team must have the fullest knowledge of oxygen. Without it we should have perished in 1922. “The committee is still afraid of oxygen. They used to object to it on moral grounds. It was not ‘sporting’ to attack l mountain with artificial help. “It adds to the risk, of course, but it also adds to the chances, and that is what the real mountaineer cares about. “This year they say they were beaten by the weather—the monsoon came earlier than they expected. It is £ pity they weren’t out there in time to take the good fortnight when it comes, as it always does.” It is probable that a new committee will be formed for the next expedition, and that the climbing arrangements will be left with the Alpine Club. The Royal Geographical Society, it is understood, will make the necessary .political arrangemeuU