FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 75, Issue 6443, 7 November 1947, Page 4

FIREWORKS DISPLAY

TE AWAMUTU FIRE BRIGADE’S ANNUAL GALA NIGHT LARGE CROWD ATTRACTED I An annual function popular with small boys—and bigger ones, too—attracted a large crowd to Albert Park on Wednesday evening, when the Te Awamutu Fire Brigade held a gala night and fireworks display. Led by the Otorohanga Pipe Band and the Te Awamutu Municipal Band, a small procession paraded through the main street at about" 8 p.m., finally proceeding to Albert Park. Following the two bands was the fire engine, and the one and only float, which carried a replica of Guy Fawkes to be suitably disposed of, and three well-impersonated “old maids.” There was some suggestion that mapy floats of this nature should feature in such processions as, on the whole, relaxations in Te Awamutu are taken much too seriously, with a lack of enthusiasm and spontaneity.

A fine, cool evening undoubtedly added to the appeal of the display, and it was very evident that the “eternal small boy” found proceedings to his taste, especially since fireworks have been more-or-less on the list of the unprocurables during and after the war.

On the grounds many individual fireworks displays appeared here and there, presenting a colourful though somewhat lurid effect. A bonfire, consisting principally of old motor tyres, and situated outside the Park boundary fence, was set alight early in the proceedings. It occasioned some apprehension when the fire showed a tendency to spread to the posts and battens of the boundary fence, but brigadesmen quelled such outbreaks before damage was done. The object of the Fire Brigade in holding the Gala Night is, primarily, to discourage as far as possible individual bonfires throughout the town, which create a fire hazard. The Gala Night then is really to the benefit of the community, and that this is appreciated was indicated by the public’s generous response per medium of gate-contributions and support of the various side-shows on the grounds, in aid of the funds of the brigade.

The Otorohanga Pipe Band and the Te Awamutu Municipal Band—unfailingly popular in outdoor performances—provided a musical touch to the proceedings, and added to the pleasure that was obviously derived by young and old from the activities of the evening.