Well, exactly what the title says really. I have been research this for my book on the science and culture of climbing. I am exploring the class divide at the time and nearly all the other climbers were either educated at Ox-bridge or came from officer stock in the British Army. I am keen to find the reasons why Hillary and Lowe the two Kiwi’s were invited along on the expedition, other than they impresse Hunt on the recce.
I have my suspicions, but if you have read something and have a reference I can chase up, That would be great. Although I suspect the details will be filled away in the archives of the Alpine Club and Royal Geographic Society, where I assume the minutes from the Joint Himalayan Committee might throw light on the question.