FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Hokitika Guardian, 14 October 1932, Page 5

FIREWORKS DISPLAY

SHOP EXPLOSION £IOO DAMAGE IN AUCKLAND. (Per Press Association — Copyright .J

AUCKLAND, October 13

An effective, but a totally unexpected, display of fireworks created consternation at Melvern’s Store?, in Karangahape Road, late this afternoon, and resulted in the main display window in the front of the establishment being badly damaged by fire. The fireworks were, being arranged in a display appropriate to the approach of Guy Fawkes Day, when from an unknown cause, the material ignited, and before the blaze wag extinguished by the fire brigade, the valuable plate glass window had been 'shattered, and considerable damage had been clone to the content’.

The fire did not spread to th e store itself. Two members of the staff were dressing the window, and had placed a dummy figure, representing Guy Fawkes, in a central position. Fireworks of various (sizes and kinds were being added, when part of the explosive stock caught fire. The enclosed’ space in the window was quickly in an uproar with rockets hissing, and huge crackers detonating'. The stuffed guy was meanwhile blazing furiously.

The two assistants were, in an unenviable position, and they quickly re* treated, one of them having his fingers slightly burned. A chemical fire extinguisher was at onc e brought into play, but it was not until the arrival of two engines from the fire station that the blaze could be checked. It was estimated that the damage to the premises and the stock would amount to about £IOO, but this was subject to a closer check.