Tank At A Party

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30831, 17 August 1965, Page 1

Tank At A Party

'The Press” Special Service

AUCKLAND, Aug. 16.

Some parties go with a bang, others need a push.

The latest party at the Waiouru Military Camp officers’ mess must be credited with the biggest bang yet

It was a party that isn't likely to be forgotten—particularly by the 10th intake of National Service trainees who have Just returned home with vivid memories of something that went more than ••bump” in the night.

According to reports, the party was like any other officers’ mess party, until someone brought

along an uninvited guest —a Centurion tank. Nosing through the front door, the 50-ton gate-crasher introduced itself with a blank round from its gun which shook the building and left its mark.

Officers at Waiouru refused to comment on the incident or to say what damage was done. But they were willing t say: "Disciplinary action has been taken.”

The camp commandant. Colonel P. fl. G. Hamilton, had nothing to add, except: “Parties at the officers’ mess are private parties, like those in a private house.”