Youths cause disruption with fireworks

Gangs let off fireworks

This article was written by Mark Pulley

5 November 1880

For some days past notices have been issued prohibiting the use of fireworks in the streets.

In spite of this the general public was greatly inconvenienced by hundreds of squibs being let off in a most indiscriminate manor by gangs of roughs and boys of the lowest class. The few police who did venture out onto the streets were hustled and followed by large hooting crowds.

One in particular, PC Captain J D Le Couteur, was surrounded as he conveyed an offender from the Weighbridge to the Police station.

A mob numbering hundreds assembled outside the Albion Hotel at the corner of Mulcaster Street and Pier Road. They threw crackers and lighted squibs into different parts of the building. Mr E Jones, the landlord, put up his shutters and suspended his business.

The disturbance, however, continued, and he then attached a hose to a plug in the street, directing the water at the assailants. This worked for a while but Mr Jones was soon forced back indoors under fear for his own safety.

The mob lost interest and dispersed, the police - conspicuous by their absence - appeared on the scene when the trouble was over, and no arrests were made.

There was an official fireworks display from the top of Gallows Hill sponsored by the Jersey cycle club.