ON THE MOUNTAINS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 26, Issue 653, 11 January 1952, Page 10

ON THE MOUNTAINS

NEW ZEALAND HIGH COUNTRY, by David McLeod; Canterbury Agricultural College. ASPIRING, by W. Scott Gilkison; printed han Whitcombe and Tombs, Ltd., Dunedin;

(Reviewed by

John

Pascoe

ETWEEN them, these publications answer many questions about alpine pastures whether grazed by sheep. or tramped by mountaineers. Both authors are practical authorities in their own right, skilful at writing, and with a deep feeling for their country that binds them gladly to their labours up there in the snow. They

may have _ never met each other, but are men of equal resource and_= enthusiasm, widely respected in their fields. David McLeod is an articulate and scholarly run-holder from the Waimakariri mountains. His excellent broadcasts have publicised the _ little-. known. aspects of station management. These talks, with other material,

were first published in the Canterbury Agricultural College Rural Education Bulletin, 1951, and are here reprinted in a booklet of 46 pages. His introduction is worthy of R. M. Burdon at his best, and the subsequent descriptions of routine mustering, shearing and tailing are varied with discussions of problems such as deer, keas, dog breeding and erosion. His style is lively and his narrative vivid with an effective natural humour. Clearly Mr. McLeod has in him the makings of a very good book and he owes it to his society to write one. Scott Gilkison is primarily an Otago mountaineer whose work with the New Zealand Alpine Club has included wide climbing and exploration, and sustained literary achievement. He is a tiger for punishment, whether under a heavy swag or in writing up details of routes for young men to follow the new trails he has helped to open. His latest book -of 80 pages, has magnificent illustrations and useful sketch maps, all focused on one central theme-Mount Aspiring, 9957 feet. He covers many approaches to his goal: topographical, historical and descriptive. This blend of personal experience, knowledge, and history is satisfying and informs the reader with a concise clarity that is as dominant as the Silver Cone itself. This book will both reward those who have already climbed the peak and attract those to whom it is but an honoured and beautiful name. The production of the book has the simplicity and dignity of the text.