An aristocrat in finest sense of the word — N.Z. tribute

Press, 29 August 1979, Page 13

An aristocrat in finest sense of the word — N.Z. tribute

New Zealanders deplored the murderous act which killed Lord Mountbatten, the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) said in Wellington yesterday. “Earl Mountbatten epitomised all that was best in the service of the people of Britain, the Commonwealth and, in his post-war activities, any part of the world where there was good to be done,” lie said is tribute. “New Zealanders will deplore the murderous act which ended the life of a mart who had at no time marred it by any ignoble deed.” he said.

“He was, in the words of the poet, John Dryden, ‘A man so various that he teemed to be not one but all mankind’s epitome’.” said, the Prime Minister. Lord Mountbatten was an aristocrat “in the finest tense of the word — distinguished not by birth alone fci-t by service both in peace and war. “Because of his background he could have led a rxafortable life. Instead he placed his great talents unreservedly at the disposal of his people.

“He was a born leader — gallant, adventurous, intpiring,” said Mr Muldoon. When Lord Mountbatten was supreme commander in South-East Asia during World War 11, 340 New Zealand airmen served under his command, 40 of whom won awards for gallantry, a higher proportion than any »ther he said he knew of.

Nine of the R.A.F. squadrons in that command were led by New Zealanders. “An older generation of Hew Zealanders might recall that as a young officer he was in H.M.S. Renown when that ship brought the then prince of Wales to New Zealand in 1920.” (The Prince of Wales later became King Edward VIII, who adbitated.) The following message Was sent hv the GovernorGeneral (Sir Keith Holyoake) to the Queen yesterday: “My wife and I were deeply shocked to learn of th’ death of the Lord Mountbatten under such dreadful circumstances.

“All New Zealand joins us in expressing our deepest sympathy to the family in their bereavement and our a" horrence of such a callous and brutal crime.” The British Prime Minister (Mrs Margaret Thatcher) said Lord Mountbatten’s life “ran like a golden thread of inspiration and service” through the history of Britain this century. Britain had suffered a great loss. “He was one of our greatest commanders and a great seaman.

“His service as the pioneer and chief of combined operations and as Supreme Allied Commander in SouthEast Asia made a contribution without parallel to the defeat of tyranny in the Second World War.” A former Prime Minister,

Mr Edward Heath, said: “Lord Mountbatten was one of the greatest public servants of his time, both in war and peace. “He will long be remembered for his remarkable military, diplomatic, and administrative achievements as Chief of Combined Operations, Viceroy of India, and Chief of the Defence Staff. “In retirement, he devoted himself tirelessly to giving encouragement to the voluntary services.” The Leader of the Opposition (Mr J. Callaghan), in a 8.8. C. radio interview, said: “This is something that everyone will deeply mourn, especially the savage and tragic manner of Lord Mountbatten’s death, and of his grandson and the friend who was with him.