Restrictions Sought On Fireworks Sale

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31981, 7 May 1969, Page 32

Restrictions Sought On Fireworks Sale

(New Zealand Press Association)

GISBORNE, May 6.

Another attempt to persuade the Government to restrict the sale of fireworks will be made by the Urban Fire Authorities’ Association.

A remit asking for legislation was carried unanimously by the association’s annual meeting in Gisborne today, when concern was expressed that a previous request of a similar nature had been rejected by the Parliamentary commerce committee. The Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Seath) told the meeting that there had been considerable opposition to the original proposal from interested parties, who did not see

the point of restricting the sale or purchase of fireworks to a fortnight before November 5. Strong opposition had been expressed by wholesalers and retailers. It was unfortunate, the Minister said, that the association had not appeared before the committee to give evidence; the association should now collect as much information as possible and put the matter to the Government again. He would be happy to make the recommendation. i

It was not likely that another bill would be introduced unless the Government was satisfied that the association’s arguments for restrictions outweighed those against them, Mr Seath added.