GREAT FIRE IN TOKIO.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17106, 30 March 1921, Page 7

GREAT FIRE IN TOKIO.

1 THOUSANDS HOMELESS. (Br Cable—Presi Association— CopyrifM.) (Australian and N.Z. Cabls Association.) TOKIO, March 28. A fire which imperilled the whole city destroyed 1000 houses in the Totsuya district in the north-west section of the city, involving a loss estimated at from 25,000,000 to 60,000,000 yen. Thousands of persons are 'homeless, and 100 are injured. Three hospitals, a bank, and other'large commercial establisnments were destroyed. A high wind blew the flames towards the centre of the city, causing a panic among the population. . Five thousand troops, besides the firemen, combated tlhe blaze, but it was only when the wind ceased, after blowing for four hours, that the fire was controlled. Tho streets were choked with fleeing refugees, carrying portion of their possessions, and carts loaded with furniture. The confusion was heightened by the crowding in of spectators, and mounted police (had the greatest difficulty to put down incipient riots. The fire burned so fiercely that the glow in the sky could be seen hundreds of miles away. • The Dietj which was in session, adjourned on receipt of a report that tho ire threatened Kure.