THE ASCENT OF EGMONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1916, Page 6

THE ASCENT OF EGMONT.

■ SUNDAY'S ATTEMPT UNSUC- • CESSFUL. Mr. Williams, the guide at the North Egmont House, and Mr. F. Foord, of Wellington, made an unsuccessful attempt to reach the summit of the mountain on Sunday. The conditions were very favorable indeed, and a start was made at 5.45 from the house, and up to Humphries' Castle the going was good, standard lime being made. After leaving the Castle frozen snow was met with, and the climbers had to cut steps up to the top of Jacob's Ladder, where the conditions improved again, and the (iOOOft rock was reached at 8.20. In summer, w4ien the snow is melted, the climb across the scoria starts at this point, but just now it is covered with about Bft of snow, which, if anything', makes the climbing easier, but naturally much steeper. This part of the climb was accomplished in 25 minutes, when the mountaiirera struck solid ice, very steep and ve.y slippery, Which necessitated extreme eve in negotiating. Unfortunately at this boint Mr. Foord was badly taken wru cr/rap in both legs. Although, by keeping at it, the men managed to get up to 7500 feet, and ■when practically the end of the journey was within striking distance, Mr. Foord deemed it unwise to proceed further, as the complaint was getting worse, and t/lie place was too dangerous to talTe any risk. So, disappointedly, they had to retrace their steps. From about 7300 ft right down to Humphries' Castle glissading was indulged in, this sport alone being worth the climb. The party arrived back at the Mountain House about 1.30 p.m., safe, aiul .sound, but' naturally disappointed at not reaching the summit. Another party of two essayed the task, but also had to turn back from the same altitude that was reached by Messrs Williams and Foord. All day long a big party of visitors at the Mountain House were much interested in the attempts of both parties, added interest being given with the .help of a magnificent telescope which Mr. Williams ha? procured for the use of visitors at a nominal charge. With its aid a splendid view of the climb could be obtained all the time, and the possession of such a Ugaufciful l instrument ought to prove a decided acquisition to the Mountain House. During tihe ascent, flashing signals were observed by the party from New Plymouth, Inglewood«and the House, Mr. Foord has now made three attempts to reach the summit, being successful in the two previous efforts. But "the call" has come, and as a member of the Flying Corps higher altitudes may be readied that that of Egmont,,but never will one get a more magnificent view than that oDtained on Sunday on old Egmont. I "* ' I