Amazing Display of Fireworks

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26708, 1 March 1948, Page 4

Amazing Display of Fireworks

TREMENDOUS CROWD HELD SPELLBOUND Fiery brilliance sensationally transformed the sombre setting of Hancock Park, St. Kilda, into a wonderland of blazing colour on Saturday night, when the centennial fireworks enthralled a crowd of countless thousands. This magnificent display, presented on a lavish scale never before witnessed in New Zealand, provided a climax to Carnive.l Week beyond the expectations of the most optimistic. For 70 minutes from the time that Mr C. D. Brock waved his magic wand at 8.45 p.m., the vast canopy of a velvet sky was splashed with the fiercest and most delicate colours. Sensation followed sensation from the breath-taking moment when, without warning, the first thrilling barrage of maroons was released by Mr Arthur Barnett, chairman of the fireworks committee, until the grand finale as 300 special rockets roared their message of farewell. The crowd was held entranced.

Since early morning, the highways from Invercargill, Central Otago, Timaru and beyond, had teemed with traffic. The destination was Dunedin; the attraction the fireworks. Crowds had congregated at Hancock Park before midday, and during the afternoon the multitude increased Favoured by fine weather and a considerate wind which carried the smoke out to sea and away from the spectators, the performance was a success in every detail. There was not one damp squib in the whole shooting box. Even old Vulcan himself must have marvelled at each tremendous fiery cataclysm of gorgeous finery and every one of the amazingly beautiful set pieces. Variety marked the entire display and its novelty was a delightful feature.

When the last glow faded and darkness enveloped the scene, the night wind became strangely bleak and the moon remained in hiding. Reluctantly the crowd dispersed; a memorable evening had ended all too soon.