BIG FIE IN AUCKLAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 120, 31 May 1901, Page 2

BIG FIE IN AUCKLAND.

THE GRAND HOTEL BURNED DOWNMANY LIVES LOST. >' LICENSEE AND TWO DAUGHTERS SUPPOSED"TO BE BURNT TO DEATH.

(Despatched by Telephone.) (Special to Times.) Auckland, 3 a.m. Friday. The Grand Hotel, one of Auckland’s .ending houses, was destroyed by fire :his morning. The fire broke out after midnight, at about 12.30 a.m., and soon after the alarm was given a dense mass of people assembled in the streets. The people are still collected in thousands, and the greatest excitement prevails. Many lives have been lost, but it is impossible at this stage to say how many victims there are. It is supposed that the licensee and his two daughters have been burnt to death. Fortunately there were not a groat many people staying at the hotel at the time, but still a sufficient number to make the fire very serious. The flames went through the large building with great rapidity, and it was with the utmost difficulty that people got clear of the building, men and women barely escaping clad only in their, night clothes. Some of those who escaped death sustained very serious injuries. The ladies suffered most in that respect, those from the men’s quarters having less difficulty in escaping. Among those seriously injured and taken to the hospital are Miss Meyers and Miss. Wallace. Others have been taken to the hospital, but it is difficult, there being such a dense crowd gathered and so much confusion, to obtain definite information. People who had relations in the hotel are in great anguish, and it is sad to see them rushing around among the crowd trying to obtain information of the whereabouts of those for whose safety they are in fear and trembling. As far as I can ascertain the only Gisbornite who had been staying at the hotel was Mr Hilton Lysnar: I have so far been unable to find him among the crowd, or to ascertain whether he stayed at the hotel last night, but I think that if he did he is safe, as most of the men were able to get out of the building. There were very few fire escapes available. There is no clue as to the origin of the fire, but it is supposed to have occurred about the circular staircase. The Masonic Hall, adjoining the hotel, was wrecked by fire and water. It will be daylight before anything like definite particulars can be obtained of the loss of human life. Many pathetic scenes have occurred, and also deeds of heroism. Several Gisbornites are among those doing splendid work. here. The Grand Hotel, as most Gisborne people will know, is situated in Princes street, and is the house at which His Excellency the Governor, the Admiral and officers of the fleet, and other notabilities stay. The proprietor is Mr Alexander .Johnston, who is very highly esteemed. ir i .