BONFIRE ON BEACH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 105, 3 January 1940, Page 5

BONFIRE ON BEACH

DISPLAY AT OHOPE HOLIDAY CROWD ENTERTAINED

Tn view of tlie fact that Sunday evening could scarcely be deemed appropriate for the usual New r Years Eve celebrations, the Bonfire and Fireworks Display at Ohope took place last Monday, when the beach was thronged with hundreds of

campers. The event was a splendid success, reflecting once again the greatest credit on those who year after year go to considerable inconvenience and trouble to arrange it. As in the past, particular attention was given to the entertainment of the children in whose interests the display is mainly promoted. The distribution of free crackers and fireworks to all the younger generation went to make the evening a very memorable and happy one from the juvenile standpoint.

As mentioned elsewhere the temptation to set lire to the original pile of brushwood, had proved too strong to some adventurous spirits but in spite of their anticipation, a willing band of workers toiled hard throughout the day and a very presentable bonfire resulted.

A crowd of six or seven hundred assembled in front of the parking area and the tongue of iiarne which leapt skyward shortly alter 8 p.m. was the signal for an outburst ot cheering. From a position in front of the Life Saving pavilion a good display of fireworks was given, the rockets in particular nu-eting with shrill cries of delight ixom the assembled children. Some spectacular fireworks of the Roman Candle and Catherine wheel varieties siso found general popularity. The presence of several members' of the Whakatane Pipe I'ami helped to further enliven proceedthe pipers keeping up a selection of lively measures which Avere warmly appreciated by the crowd. For two hours the fun was at its height, but with the dying down of the fire the crowd began to disperse, but before doing so gave three cheers for Mr F. Mahy Sen. who for many years now has 0,1 his own initiative promoted and arranged the New Year's Eve bonfire in the interests of the children living or camping on the beach.