OFFICER DISCIPLINED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 5, 17 October 1941, Page 5

OFFICER DISCIPLINED.

LIQUOR AT W.A.A.F. FUNCTION. THE INCIDENT AT LEVIN. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 16. The fact that the consumption of a small quantity of liquor was permitted at the semi-official opening of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force clubhouse at the Levin Air Force Station last, Saturday by the commanding officer was disclosed by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) in a statement made in the House of Representatives this afternoon. The Minister said that the commanding officer’s action was entirely irregular, and ho was being suitably disciplined for his indiscretion. The Minister assured the House that, orders had not been issued authorising the setting up of wet canteens at the W.A.A.F; clubhouses or any similar institutions at Air Force stations. All stations had been advised that the carrying and consumption of liquor in the W.A.A.F. quarters of clubhouses on R.N.Z.A.F. stations was strictly prohibited. The action of the officer commanding had been taken without reference to headquarters or to the Minister, and had such authority been sought it would have been refused. It transpired that the W.A.A.F.’s had voted on the question of a wet canteen, but that was an entirely irregular procedure. The officer commanding had forbidden members of the W.A.A.F. on bis station to enter local hotel lounges.