Axeman cometh up trumps for projects

By TIM WATKIN

The arms have lost some of their strength over 50 years, but the conqueror of Everest showed he could still swing an ice-axe yesterday at a fundraising event for the Sir Edmund Hillary Trust.

Two weeks before the 50th anniversary of his historic ascent with Tenzing Norgay, Sir Edmund was signing the first of 2003 replicas of the ice-axe he used on Mt Everest.

The trust plans to sell the axes around the world. Most are priced at US$2000 ($3495), but the one axe signed yesterday, plus numbers 50, 1953 and 2003, is expected to attract tenders of as much as US$25,000.

The Government set up the trust last year to organise anniversary events and to raise money for Sir Edmund's own Himalayan Trust.

Spokesman Paul Dryden said some of the ice-axe money would be given to the trust, which funds schools and hospitals in Nepal, and some would be spent in New Zealand. The first project planned was an outdoor pursuits centre on Kawau Island.

Rob Richmond, director of Insignia International, which co-ordinated the ice-axe project, said the replicas were made of ash and steel, identical to the French-made original that was displayed at the Auckland Museum this year.

"We weren't allowed to touch it, but the museum's conservator gave us the measurement details. Then we contacted the French manufacturer, who gave us details of the timber and materials used."

Sir Edmund gave the replica his approval, saying it was like his own axe, "a good heavy one, which gave weight to the swing".

He was not looking forward to the "frightful task" of signing 2003 axes, but said that at least it would not be as bad as the 17,000 collector cards he once spent a week signing.

Sir Edmund and Lady June leave on Sunday for anniversary celebrations in Nepal.