High praise for Everest conqueror Hillary

Mount Everest conqueror Edmund Hillary was lauded today for his skill, courage and endurance in being the first to climb the world’s tallest peak in the Himalayan mountains nearly 50 years ago.

New Zealander Hillary, with Nepalese Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay, reached the summit of the 29,035ft summit on May 29, 1953.