Killing enigma is why

TODAY is day six of the police inquiry into the violent slaying of Derek Round.

For many who knew him, the over-riding question will be why did he die. As with all sudden-death cases, family and friends want to know why it happened and if anything could have been done to stop it.

Until more is known about who was responsible, we can only speculate as to the motivation.

Critical to this case is tracking movements of Mr Round's car, a distinctive Jaguar. That will likely lead to those responsible.

Anyone who knew Mr Round would struggle to understand what could provoke such a violent outburst. There are theories, some fanciful, others plausible, but we must wait and let the police do their job.

In the meantime, tributes have poured in for a man who had achieved much but still had great ambitions.

I had the privilege of an audience with Mr Round a few weeks ago in which he enthused about plans that would help further ensconce the city's name as a centre of educational excellence. He had a statesman-like bearing, warm and pleasant, intelligent and educated and overwhelmingly positive.

Derek Round worked on the Wanganui Herald before his overseas and NZPA days, and those who count him as a colleague speak highly of his skill and professionalism. He had only been back in Wanganui a short time but was passionate about the city, and keen to use his contacts and knowledge to help make this wonderful place even better.

At age 77 he was still bursting with enthusiasm; he was among the first members of the Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust, was newly appointed to the Bushy Park Trust and penning his autobiography and other works.

His loss will be felt by many for some time. Let us hope his killer or killers are brought to justice quickly.

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