ROCKET FROM THE SKY.

Shannon News, 20 November 1923, Page 3

ROCKET FROM THE SKY.

EPSOM FAMILY'S ALARM,

Guy Fawkes Day in Auckland this year has supplied a -striking instance o'f the danger of using explosive devices other than the fireworks especially manufactured for the 'purpose. A second case of the dangerous use of a ship's rocket has come into the public notice as a result of the disquieting experience of an Epsom family. , .- A number of childrn were gathered in the garden at the residence of Mr S. Holden Howie, in Bracken Avenue, Epsom, labout 7.45 p.m. on Monday, when a deafening explosion occurred on the roof, accompanied by a brilliant shower of sparks. A second later a heavy object ricochetted off the'roof and on to the concerts path. This proved to be a ship's rocket, bearing the label, "For' vessels requiring assistance, ,as ordered by the Board Of Trade."

Tuesday morning a search revealed the head of the rocket buried in the hard;, dry soil of the lawn to a depth of three inches, It had the appearance of a shell witn -the cap off, and contained a nefatly-cut lump of turf. A farther search in the garden brought to light the wooden cap of the rocket. The wooden rod/measuring about 7ft in length, was broken in. three places. The family and neighbours were naturally somewhat perturbed! over the incident. The children evidently had a veiry narrow escape from serious injury,' if riot death, while, if the. rocket had alighted on a shingle roof, instead of an iron one, or had landed in' some inflammable material, the result might easily have.been, a fire.