Page:Mannering - With axe and rope in the New Zealand Alps.djvu/19



IN

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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTORY

The New Zealand Alps and their glaciers

is unnecessary for me in these days of universal education and enlightenment to describe the geographical position of New Zealand, the 'Britain of the South,' and the future playground of Australasia.

Everyone knows that New Zealand consists of three islands, situate between the 34th and 47th decrees of south latitude, off the south-east coast of Australia. Reference to almost any handbook of the colony will furnish every information regarding settlement, population, government, climate, and so on, and I do not propose to dwell longer than is necessary on any general matters of this nature.

It is advisable, however, to describe in as brief and concise a manner as possible the general physical features of a country containing such varieties of scenery and climate, more especially those of the South