Page:Pyrotechnics the history and art of firework making (1922).djvu/125



same to be fired from his House or Premises, or shall cast or fire, or be aiding and assisting in casting or firing the same in any public Street, House, Shop, River, or Highway, he shall forfeit Twenty Shillings, or be committed to the House of Correction to hard Labour for one Month."

This Act continued in force up to the passing of the Gunpowder Act in 1860. There were periods during which it was practically a dead letter, and again periods of sporadic activity.

The first restriction of the public use of fireworks appears to have been an order in council dated November 6th, 1685, which "For the preventing of Tumultuas Disorders" and with the object of "Disappointing the Evil Designs of Persons Disaffected to the Government, who commonly make use of such occasions to turn those Meetings into Riots and Tumults," enacted that "No Person or Persons whatsoever, do presume to make or encourage the making of any Bonfires, or other Publick Fire Works—[* ?]without particular permission Leave in Order—[* ?]upon Pain of His Majesty's Displeasure; and being Prosecuted with the utmost severity of the Law."

A notice appeared in the press of November 1st, 1788, dated from the "Public Office, Bow Street," warning the public against firing crackers in the street, and quoting the Act "that no Person may claim Ignorance thereof." Again, in 1814, "The Times" has an account of a summons under the Act of a William Swift, "for exposing for sale, Squibs, Serpents, Crackers and Fireworks of other descriptions to the great danger and annoyance of the public and contrary to the Statute." The report continues:

"Mr. Laws in opening the case observed, that this was a prosecution brought forward at the recommendation of