Police break up noisy party

Press, 20 September 1982, Page 6

Police break up noisy party

PA Wellington A barrage of bottles and stones greeted Masterton police as they struggled to close a noisy party, in the town on Friday night. The officer in charge of the Masterton police. Chief Inspector E. M. Timms, said it was the worst violence seen in the town for a long time. . .

Four policemen were injured, a police bus damaged, and the. street littered 'with broken glass and stones as the police moved in.to arrest 46 people.

The trouble flared soon after 10.30 p.m. when residents in a south Masterton street complained to the police that a party was getting out of hand. Cars were revving up and down the street, neighbours were getting anxious, and the noise

was objectionable, said Mr Timms.

The police went to the house and asked the partygoers to quieten but they were met with "no joy" and decided firm action was needed.

Every available policeman was called back on duty and others brought in from Featherston and Carterton. A bus was hired and just after midnight, the 20 policemen moved in.

“We were greeted with a volley of bottles, stones, and abuse," said Mr Timms.

The 46 arrested, mostly young men and four to six women, face charges of unlawful assembly, inciting lawlessness, and resisting and assaulting the police, and will appear in court later this month.