H.—2

6

List of High Ascents at Hermitage during the Season of 1917-18— continued.

Te Anau - Milfokd Track. The traffic on this track was for a number of reasons disappointing. It was not opened until late in the season, and misfortunes followed its opening. A. motor accident on the first trip resulted in the death of one passenger and injuries to several of the staff. Great trouble was experienced, in the crossing of the Whitestone River, and the coal-supply to the steamer also caused great difficulty. A new hut was erected at the Milford end to accommodate a married couple to attend to tourists. A larger boat with engine attached was purchased for the Sounds trip. A better season is hoped for during the present year. AGENCIES. AND PASSENGER-BOOKINGS. The total value of tours booked was £35,780, against £12,001 for the previous year, the commission being £1,623. Oversea Agencies. The Melbourne and Sydney agencies of the Department, which are really agencies of all Government Departments, have been kept exceptionally busy not only by Tourist work, but by work for Defence, Customs, Public Works, and other Departments. Reports from the officers in charge are attached. The question of securing more suitable offices for the Sydney Agency is now under consideration by the Government. The expenditure of Sydney and Melbourne has been as follows : — Sydney. Melbourne. £ ' £ Rent .. .. .. .. .. .. 250 - 300 Salaries (including clerical assistance) .. .. .. 348 578 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. .. 210 120

Date. Naino of Teak. Height, In Feet. Climbed by Name of Guide. Route and Remarks. 1918. Jan. — Mount Sibbald 9,181 Mr. W. A. Kennedy, Edgar Williams Cuideless.. Ascent and descent by S. W. arete from camp on Godley River. First ascent. Ascent and descent from Sefton bivouac. Ascent by S. arSte from Barron's Saddle; descent to Fyfe's Pass, to Mueller Glacier, back to Mueller Hut. Ditto. Fob. I Footstool 9,073 Mr. S. Turner, F.R.G.S. Guide-less.. 1 Mount Montgomery 7,661 Mr. H. A. Holl, Miss D. Theomin, Miss Gawith, Mr. F. W. Vosselor G u i d eless party led by Mr. Holl Mount Montgomery 7,661 Miss F. Gawith, Miss Z. Marshall, Miss V. Ross Mr. H. A. Holl, Miss D. Theomin, Miss Gawith, Mr. F. W. Vosseler R. Young 1 3 Mount Darby 8,284 G u i d eless party led by Mr. Holl Ascent by N.W. ar&le from Mueller Glacier ; descent by 15. face to Sladden Glacier and back to Mueller Hut. Ascent and descent from Sefton bivouac. Ascent and descent E. faco from Mueller Hut. Complete traverse. Ascent by E. arUe, descent N. face. Ascent and descent by N.W. face from Bootham Glacier. First ascent. From bivouac in Murohison River bed, ascent by N. arete. First ascent. Ascent by N.E. arete ; descent same way. Second ascent. Ascent by N.W. arite from Mueller Glacier; #escent by E. face to Sladden Glacier. Ascent and descent by the W. arete from bivouac on Gorilla Creek. Ascent by S.E. arUe from Barron's Saddle. Ascent and descent by W. face from Mueller Hut. Ascent and descent by Green's route from King Memorial Hut. Ascent and descent by N. face from plateau of Hochstetter Icefall from King Memorial Hut. Second ascent. Ascent and descent by N. face and thence by S.E. arete from High bivouac, Copland Valley, above Douglas Rock. First ascent. Ascent and descent by S. face from head neve of Douglas and Horace Walker Glacier from bivouac above Douglas Rock. Ascent and descent by W. face from Mueller Hut. Footstool 9,073 Miss D. Theomin P. Graham, A. Cowling P. Graham „ 12 „ 19 Mount Maunga Ma .. 8,335 Mr. R. B. Seager „ 20 Mount Scaly 8,631 „ 20 Mount Nathan 9,000 Mr. S. Turner, F.R.G.S. G uideless.. tar. 2 Unnamed peak on Liebig Range about § mile N.E. of Prist Cap Mount Birctta (Prist Cap) Mount Darby 8,300 Miss A. Humphreys, Mr. R. B. Seager P. Graham 2 8,761 Mr. R. B. Seager .) ,, 5 8,284 Miss M. P. Marsden R. Young ,, 8 Mount Blackburn .. 7,835 Miss A. Humphreys, Mr. R. B. Seager P. Graham :.- 10 Mount Montgomery 7,661 Miss E. M. Upton, Miss "G. B. Qorrie Ditto J. Lippo .. „ 11 Mount Sealy 8,631 „ 13 „ 15 Mount Cook Anzac Peaks 12,349 8,323, 7,623 Mr. R. B. Seager Miss M. P. Marsden P. Graham, A. Cowling R. Young 25 Scott's Peak 8,000 Mr. R. B. Seager P. Graham 26 H i g h e s t peak of Sierras 7,850 Mount Sealy 8,631 Mr. Russel, Mr. Hall, Mr. Murphy A. Cowling 31