REALISTIC DISPLAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21775, 14 October 1932, Page 9

REALISTIC DISPLAY

BURNING OF GUY FAWKES

FIREWORKS IGNITE IN SHOP WINDOW

(Per United Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, October 13,

An effective but totally unexpected display of fireworks created consternation at Melvern’s Stores, }n Karangahape road, late this afternoon, and resulted in the main display window in front of the establishment being badly damaged by fire.

The fireworks were being arranged in a display appropriate to the* approach of Guy Fawkee Day when, from an unknown cause, the material ignited, and before the blaze was extinguished by the Fire Brigade the valuable plate-glass window had been shattered and considerable damage had been done to the contents. The fire did not spread to the 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 meanwhile blazing furiously.

The two assistants were in an unenviable position, and they quickly retreated, one of them having hie fingers slightly burned. A chemical fire extinguisher was at once 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 stock would amount to about £IOO, but this would be subject to a closer check.