GUY FAWKES DAY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19448, 6 November 1925, Page 2

GUY FAWKES DAY

..CELEBRATED IN CUSTOMARY.. MANNER. FIREWORKS DISPLAY AND “GUY” COMPETITION. Guy Fawkes Day was celebrated in customary fashion in the city yesterday. Members of the younger generation entered into the zest of the occasion, and were early abroad with their “guys,” some of which defied description and were true to name. While their ardour was somewhat dampened by a few irate citizens roused from their “ beautysleep” before five o’clock had struck, they generally benefited financially as a result of the generosity of others more kindly disposed. The money secured by this means invariably went ; .n the direction for which, it was intended, and, to use the colloquial expression, duly “went up in smoke,” when the youngsters in their element gathered round their bonfires. Loud reports occasioned by the discharge of bombs, crackers, sky rackets, and novelties of all descriptions rent the air until a late hour, and by this means the children of Wanganui perpetuated the time honoured custom, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

A colourful and attractive fireworks display was staged in Cook’s Gardens last evening under the auspices of the Waiuoni Park Fireworks Company, and the funds derived from the novel form of entertainment augmented the funds of the Queen Alexandra Band to an appreciable extent. The fixture proved very successful, there not being a single hitch in the programme arranged, and an exceptionally large crowd was attracted to the ground, children perhaps predominating and revelling in the gorgeous display that at times vividly nt up the heavens. The display was preceded by a “Guy Fawkes” competition, which attracted a large number of entries. Youngsters came from far and near with their “guys,” and assembled for the judges’ scrutiny opposite the Drill Hall. After the judges had performed an unenviable task in discri ninating between the assortnieut of “guys”—which were all well prepared

—the Queen Alexandra Band, headed a weird and fantastic procession, which marchod up the Avenue and thence to the ground. The fireworks section itself included a number of novelties not previously seen locally, amongs tthem being lhe firing of several large asteroid, rockets, which, in bursting, released parachutes. Bet pieces of varied designs, mechanical sets, which revolved with great rapidity, large fiery wheels aud cliroinatropes, which revolved in contrary motion, were also seen. The ever-popular “ waterfall’ and large battery of Roman t candles and huge bouquets were other fascinating examples of the pyrotechnist’s skill, which were appreciated by the crowd that lined the terraces. Amongst a host of other fireworks “stunts” were the Prince of Wales’ feathers, and altogether the display was of a particularly high standard, and appealed to both children and adults. PRIZE WINNERS The following is a list of the prizewinners:— (Boys under 10): Master Kidd’s team, 1; Master Crutchlcy’s team, 2; Master Murray’s team, 3. (Boys over 10): Master Blaxham’s team, 1; Master Allen’s team, 2; Master Kohlett’s team, 3.