Shortage of fireworks in Chch likely

Press, 28 October 1981, Page 1

Shortage of fireworks in Chch likely

Guy Fawkes’ Day may not go off with such a bang this November 5. Yesterday was the start of fireworks sales but a large Christchurch distributor, Rattray J. and Son, Ltd, has been unable to import enough crackers to supply its clients. Another wholesaler, Foodstuffs Christchurch, Ltd, has sold all its limited fireworks supplies. Rattray’s sales manager, Mr R. A. Stowell, said that a “misunderstanding” . meant that the firm had imported fewer crackers from Taiwan. “I think there is a shortage of crackers," t he said. “People seem to be asking for more.” One Riccarton dairy proprietor, Mr P. Currie, said that he could stock only about 2 per cent of the crackers needed. His order from Rattrays for other fireworks had also been cut. Several other dairies also reported low cracker stocks. Prices for fireworks are slightly dearer than last year, with assorted bags selling for $3, $5, and. $lO. A $3 bag from a Woolworths department store contains 11 display fireworks plus sparklers. The same amount will also buy five medium-to-small sky-rockets. A toy store is selling Tom Thumb crackers for $1.70 a packet. Most retailers reported slow sales yesterday but said that the last few days' before November 5 was the usual rush period;

Firemen are among the few people hoping for a rainy Guy Fawkes’ Day. The Christchurch divisional fire safety officer, Mr I. S. Semple, said that last November had been quiet but the number of calls this year would depend on the weather. “We love a wet day on November 5,” he said. People could also have less money to spend and many shops were no longer selling fireworks because it was not a worth-while proposition. Bonfires and lit fireworks which landed or were dropped in vegetation were the biggest fire hazards. Bonfires came under the heading of “rubbish fires,” which were banned after sunset. Fire officers were keeping an eye open for stacked bonfires. Brighton was usually the worst area for fires because of the attraction of its beach, said Mr Semple. Even fires below high-tide mark needed approval from the local authority. The plastic surgery registrar at Burwood Hospital, Dr G. Taylor, said that eye damage and hand or facial burns were common fireworks injuries, although the few cases seen at the hospital were usually minor. The best" first-aid treatment was immersing the burn in cold water and. Wrap-, ping it with a clean cloth before bringing an injured person to hospital.

Ointment should never be applied to a burn, he said.