New Zealand Parliamentary Debate

OBITUARY---JACK HINTON VC

OBITUARY---JACK HINTON VC

Rt Hon. J B BOLGER (Prime Minister): The passing of Jack Hinton VC on Saturday closes a major chapter of New Zealand's participation in the Second World War. Jack Hinton was the first New Zealander to be awarded the Victoria Cross in the Second World War and was the last surviving member of a unique group of citizen soldiers who exemplified everything that was courageous, selfless, and dedicated in the service of their country. Hinton displayed the never-say-die attitude that came to characterise the New Zealand second expeditionary forces during World War II.

His actions and those of his platoon, when counter-attacking the enemy advances, doubtless saved many New Zealand lives by providing additional precious time for the safe evacuation of our troops from Greece. His citation for the Victoria Cross makes extraordinary reading. It is the stuff of heroes.

Jack Hinton's war was comparatively short. He was critically wounded and taken prisoner during the evacuation from Greece. It was later, while in a prisoner-of-war camp, that he learnt from his captors that he had been awarded the Victoria Cross. I had the privilege, as many in this House had, of meeting Jack Hinton on a number of occasions. He was never afraid to speak his mind, particularly on matters of defence. I therefore move, That this House salutes a very unique New Zealander, Jack Hinton, VC, and conveys its sympathy to his wife, Molly, and family.

OBITUARY---JACK HINTON VC

GEOFF BRAYBROOKE (NZ Labour---Napier): On behalf of the Labour Party in this Chamber, I second the motion as read out so ably by the Prime Minister. It is true that Jack Hinton was a great example of what New Zealand soldiers, both men and women, stood for. He was, indeed, a very gallant and courageous person, who set a very high example that I believe all New Zealanders, in all branches of the armed forces, could well follow. This side of the House also conveys its sincere gratitude to the relatives, his wife, Molly, and to all the friends of Jack Hinton. He was a great New Zealander.

OBITUARY---JACK HINTON VC

Hon. TAU HENARE (Minister of Maori Affairs): I too endorse the sentiments of the Prime Minister and Mr Geoffrey Braybrooke at the passing of one of New Zealand's famous sons. Mr Jack Hinton led a hard life, and I take this opportunity to read the first paragraph of the book about him: ``The volunteers who made up the early echelons of the second expeditionary force were remarkable men. Life in New Zealand between the two World Wars, particularly during the Great Depression, had, for many, been hard. Working conditions, particularly on farms, or in the bush, were harsh. Welfare was scanty. People had to fend for themselves, and those who came through those years tended to emerge as men of resource---self-reliant, tough, and responsible. These were the qualities which were to fit them admirably for the war which broke out in 1939. Jack Hinton was one of those men. Born in Colac Bay near Riverton in 1909, the son of a railwayman, he grew up in Southland at a time when conditions there were stern, when much of the rich farmland of today was sour soil in need of drainage and fertilisers. He also went on to a hard life and had many jobs. He was a grocerboy, he was on a whaling ship, he worked as a shepherd, a boxer, a railwayman, and during the Depression he was a swagman.''

This country has lost a great son, one of character. I add my condolences to his wife, Molly Hinton, and his family. On behalf of all New Zealand First members of Parliament can I say that we have lost one of the salts of the earth.

OBITUARY---JACK HINTON VC

Hon. RICHARD PREBBLE (Leader---ACT NZ): This really is a non-controversial motion, and I thank the Prime Minister for moving it. I believe it is appropriate that this House records our sorrow at the passing of a genuine New Zealand hero. It is very difficult to win the Victoria Cross. We say to the family and to the nation that we join in in expressing our condolences to Jack Hinton's family. We celebrate his life and his great achievements. In many ways he is a symbol of all those New Zealanders who went overseas to fight for this country.

Motion agreed to.

OBITUARY---JACK HINTON VC

GEOFF BRAYBROOKE (NZ Labour---Napier): I think this is a unique occasion on which we are quite properly recognising a great New Zealander. I would formally ask through you, Mr Speaker, that we stand as a mark of respect to Jack Hinton VC.

Honourable members stood as a mark of respect.