Governor General opens new Army Officers Mess

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 27, 3 December 1984, Page 1

Governor General opens new Army Officers Mess

The new $7.6 million Army officers mess in Waiouru was officially opened last Sunday week by New Zealand's Governor General and Commander-in-Chief, the Hon. David Beattie GCMG, GCVO, QC. The opening was attended by about 150 distinguished guests and military 'top brass' including five former Chiefs of General Staff, eight former ATG Camp Commanders and many people prominent in civilian and political life. Proceedings got under way on a damp and overcast day half an hour later than scheduled because, instead of flying into Waiouru as planned, the official party had to travel by road from Ohakea. The Governor General, accompanied by Major General R.G. Williams, Army Chief of Staff and Colonel Bruce Meldrum, ATG Camp Commander, first reviewed the Guard of Honour drawn up on Firth Field and took the salute before moving into the new building where the official party was welcomed by the President of the Mess Committee. Early history The first speaker was Major Gen. Williams who outlined the history of the Waiouru area from its premilitary days last century when it was no more than a place through which travellers passed betweem the Wanganui River at Pipiriki and Hawkes Bay. In 1905 the present

(restored) Waiouru Homestead situated at the base of the new mess was built but it wasn't until 1932 that an Army reconaissance party surveyed the area and recommended it as "ideal for an artillery range." "What is more," they added, "the (railway) fare of 19 shillings and ninepence compared favourably with the twenty-five shillings and sixpence fare to the existing range at Waipukurau." Two other advantages listed were: firstly that "though the climate was cold, it was also bracing" and secondly that the geographical isolation of Waiouru "would remove those who were stationed there from the distractions and temptations usually associated with populated areas." In October 1939 — a month after the outbreak of World War II — a decision was made to establish a military base and camp at Waiouru with accommodation planned for 2,000 men. The first camp included a cookhouse for officers and NCO's with marguees providing mess tents and smaller tents being used for sleeping accommodation. During and after the war the ATG camp was further developed and took on a more permanent appearance with wooden buildingsreplacing the tents and marquees. Following a disastrous fire which destroyed the Combined Officers and N CO 's mess in May 1 950 the officers acquired a 'tempo-

rary' building in 1952 which continued to be used for the next 32 years until the new mess was opened last Sunday week. In his address Sir David Beattie said that this brief history of Waiouru as outlined by the Chief of Staff "demonstrated the validity of the argument that all good things come to those who wait ... or their descendants!" Essential amenity He went on to say that this new mess with its 40 single, 41 double and two VIP bedroom suites was a small but important part of New Zealand's defence systern. "A mess where serving men and women can relax, mix informally and exchange ideas is an essential part of life in a military establishment — particularly in a place like Waiouru" (the mess is also used by RNZN officers stationed at HMNZS Irirangi). He went on to ask, "what would have happened if our heritage had not been protected by arms. A nation must be ready to defend itself to ensure its national survival and independence." Of military alliances he said, "Where friends fall out thieves come into their own." In opening this 'superb amenity' Sir David Beattie congratulated all who designed and built it. The official party then made a tour of inspection of the building — bedrooms, lounges, bars, dining hall, TV room and service areas before taking lunch with other guests.