GREATER VARIETY OF FIREWORKS NOW AVAILABLE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 53, 19 October 1949, Page 5

GREATER VARIETY OF FIREWORKS NOW AVAILABLE

With the approach of November 5 again fireworks of many descriptions are now beginning to make their appearance. Although the selection and quantity may not be as good as pre-war the supply is much better than last year and present indications are that there will be adequate “crackers” and “whizbangs” to celebrate the historical misdemeanours of one Guy Fawkes, at Whakatane this November.

' A round of the shops at Whakatane that deal in fireworks shows that most have fairly good stocks but these are expected to be sold out by the end ’ of this month. Already stores have handled large orders and many more are expected yet.

Most fireworks in New Zealand now are imported from England and the variety is not large., Certainly there are skyrockets and Catherine wheels and all the other colourful noise makers but they are not as large as those of pre-war that are now only a memory. The skyrockets are small and their “skying” is not strong and while the jumping. jacks do jump they are now quite so jumpy. But the fireworks that are available do give the desired affect.

The crackers are still as noisy as ever. Most of these are coming from Hongkong but the supply is now down to an uncertain dribble. They are the only fireworks coming from China at the present time. New Zealand has entered the realm of firework making in a very small way. The only item New Zealand made on sale is the sparkler and it is a very creditable job. But the price of all fireworks has risen and the traditional manner of celebrating November 5 is going to be barred some people. While nearly everyone will be able to purchase some fireworks it is doubtful whether they will be able to afford the quantity, that was usual before the war.

Most storekeepers at Whakatane had to order their present stocks through Auckland merchants last January. None of them could get all they wanted but were allocated their supplies on a ration. Despite the price and their apparent scarcity fireworks have made their appearance and the inevitable schoolboys have enjoyed themselves in the last few days with the novelty of the unexpected lighted cracker placed at the feet of the unwary.