SALE OF FIREWORKS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3996, 14 October 1930, Page 8

SALE OF FIREWORKS.

GUARDING AGAINST ACCIDENTS. -

TIGHTENING UP THE REGULA. TIONS.

WELLINGTON, October 9. In a statement issued to-day, the Minister in charge of the Police Department (Mr J G. Cobbe) said that in consequence of the number of the serious accidents which occurred in different parts of New Zealand during the fireworks season last year it was considered necessary-. that some control should be exercised over the sale of fireworks. The Commissioner of Police had therefore issued a statement indicating that the fireworks would be treated as explosives for the purpose of the Arms Act, and might only be purchased under a permit obtained from the police. It is evident from the correspondence since received from the trade that considerable, difficulty is being experienced in determining to what extent these restrictions apply, and to clear up the position it has been decided to amend the regulations under Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act, 19087 and to control the sale of fireworks under this Act. The regulations will require importers of fireworks to submit, samples to the chief inspector of explosives. Wellington, with a list indicating the nature of each firework. Samples will be examined and divided into two classes, one consisting of small fireworks, which may be sold without license or other restriction, and the other consisting of larger types which it is not considered safe for children to handle. The regulations will provide that fireworks of the latter type may only be sold for demonstrations controlled by some responsible person and under a permit issued by the Explosives Department. These provisions all apply to fireworks in stock in New Zealand held over from the last season, and holders of these stocks will be required to send samples to the chief inspector of explosives for examination in the same way as, importers.

It has been ascertained that a common cause of accident is that fireworks of the explosive or “ banger ’’ type are not marked to indicate that they are dangerous to hold in the hand, and the regulations will provide that with the exception of a few of the very small type all fireworks must be marked with instructions as to the method of operation, and with warnings as to any special hazards. The larger types of “ banger ” fireworks will not be approved for general sale, but as there are considerable stocks of unmarked fireworks in New Zealand remaining from last season the provision regarding marking will operate only in respect of fireworks imported after the present vear.