Rececourse Fire.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 October 1922, Page 3

Rececourse Fire.

IKI.KOICACU I'KK CIIKHB ASSOCIATION

M ELROURNE, Oct. 22. A fire which occurred early on Sal

unlay morning caused serious damage to the Caulfield racecourse property. It is sii rr mi tided with mysterious eireumstances. The course watchman -'heard a series of what sounded like explosions. Running to the members’ stand he found it ablaze from end to end. The judge's box, in front, was also ablaze. The members’ stand, which also included seine of the official offices, weighing room, press room, and public telegraph i dices, was doomed from the first. The fire brigades, which "ere quickly on the scene, confined their efforts to saving the other stands end offices. These were saved after great efforts. The members’ Stand was gutted.- An investigation points to incendiarism. A resident near the course reported that he distinctly heard expk:s: ms about the time of the outbreak. Tt is stated that traces of bombs were discovered among the mins, and also that petrol was freely used. The tracks of a motor car which was heard ip the vicinity shortly before the fire have been traced, lending from the course. The fire threw the days’ arrangements all out of gear, but. temporary quarters for the burnt out officials and telegraphists were expeditiously made. The meeting progressed though necessarily it was attended liv much iiieon vonionco. The damage at Caulfield is estimated at CIO.OOO. " The police are convinced the fire is the result if inemidinrixin. The C'luli has offered a reward of 1-5(10 One of the heaviest losers is the eaterei wlm prepared the members’ luncheoi overnight. Twelve hundred pounds ii the shape of victuals., linen and glass ware went up in the Ihtme. The hook ' makers suffered much inconvenience ’ many losing hags, papers, and other property. All sorts of makeshifts wore adoptei ' by the C’luli and others to supply th ' deficiencies. Despite the drawback* the meeting passed off without an serious hitch. ANOTHER COURSE FIRE. HOD ART. (let. 22. £ On Saturday morning early a foe d< . streved the horse boxes at the NorM - all Racecourse. The totalisator horn 0 and grandstand were narrowly save 1 1 v the prompt action of a railway ei ployoo. who discovered the otitbroal Incendiarism is suspected.