FIRES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2052, 2 December 1907, Page 3

FIRES.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN MELBOURNE. ELIZABETH STREET PREMISES GUTTED. DAAIAGE TO TELEGRAPH OFFICE. United Press Association —Copyright (Received Dec. 1, 4.3. j).m.) MELBOURNE, Dec. 1. A destructive fire started at 10 o’clock last night in Clark’s, fancy goods importers, a live-storied warehouse in Elizabeth street, adjoining tho rear of tho. Commonwealth telegraph and money order offices. The iiro spread with tremendous rapidity ,enveloping Wallach’s large furniture warehouse ,the Dux cycle works, and a number of smaller places. By an' early hours this morning the brigade had obtained tlio mastery over tho major portion of tile fire. Clark’s and Wallach’s were practically gutted, and serious damage was’don© "to th© Commonwealth property, including tho destruction of thousands of pounds’ worth of telephone wire and material. Various adjoining properties suffered severoly. Tho wliolo city was brilliantly ligated, and an immense concourse watched events. ' A verandah, crowded with spectators, and situated opposite the outbreak, suddenly collapsed, and several were injured. DAMAGE £60,000. LARGEST FIRE FOR 12 YEARS. (Received 1.53 a.m., Dee. 2.) MELBOURNE, Dec. 1. The fire is the largest that has occurred for twelve years. The value of the property, destroyed is close on £60,000. An official report states that the Potal Department lost £15,000 worth of material. It is feared that, considerable publit* inconvenience will be caused by the loss of telephone instruments and wire.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN QUEESMLAND. 23 ESTABLISHMENTS DESTROYED AT LONGREACH.'

United Press Association —Copyright (Received Doc. 2. 1.48 a.m.) BRISBANE, Dec. 1. A wire from Longreacli to the Depu’t y-Fost nia ster-G e neral announces that the town of Longreacli was swept by fire this morning. Twenty-two leading business places were destroyed.