Fireworks And Explosives

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30593, 9 November 1964, Page 12

Fireworks And Explosives

The suggestion has been made in our correspondence column that in view of the annual toll of personal injury and damage to property the custom of celebrating Guy Fawkes Day might well be discontinued. With this suggestion we heartily agree. Whatever political—and, unfortunately, religious —significance the commemoration may once have had, it has for many years served no purpose except to excuse cadging by youngsters and the waste of money by those old enough to know better. It is a poor excuse for either.

But even if this meaningless anniversary were discontinued the dangers would remain; there are other occasions, more or less appropriate, for the indulgence of the perverse pleasure of watching our money disappear in showers of sparks and noisy bangs. To prohibit the manufacture (or importation) and sale of fireworks might reduce the danger for the many while increasing the dangers to a few; for it would assuredly encourage the risky—and illegal—practice of making fireworks at home. If used according to the instructions and in the light of common sense, the commercial products are at least safe. Unfortunately common sense is not the strong point of many pyrotechnists, as witness the throwing of fireworks at people and motor-cars. Governments being understandably reluctant to deprive people of their pleasure, innocent or not-so-innocent, legislative action against fireworks is hardly to be expected in this country, although it has been taken in some others. So whether Guy Fawkes Day persists or not, there will be a continuing need to train young people to handle fireworks with discretion and with consideration for others, and to impress on them the terrible dangers of playing with explosives and inflammable materials. The sensible and moving appeal to parents by the father of one of the boys so cruelly injured at New Brighton on Thursday night should not fall on deaf ears.