Harold Jacobs

John Mazey recalls:

In September 1960 Harold Jacobs arrived at Te Anau to start work after five years of applying for every vacant position advertised. Harold first became interested in becoming a ranger during the mid-1950s when he met Ray Cleland and Peter Croft during an Easter climbing trip to Arthur's Pass National Park. While weather bound in the Carrington hut, Harold decided that the work and life led by Ray and Peter appealed to him more than his trade as a carpenter. As an experienced climber Harold spent most of his free time climbing in the Southern Alps so was familiar with the mountain parks. His friends tried to talk him out of the idea of working in parks, on the basis that just because he enjoyed his weekend climbing trips it didn't necessarily follow that a full-time life in the mountains would be just as appealing. Their advice wasn't accepted as he at last managed an interview with the Fiordland Park Board who seemed to be intrigued with the idea of having an experienced alpine climber on the staff.