A TOWN BURNT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8923, 17 September 1907, Page 2

A TOWN BURNT.

Inhabitants Homeless

Per Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, September 16. The picturesque town of Murwillumbah, on the banks of the Tweed river, was devastated by fire last night. The outbreak began in a bakery and under tho influence of a strong westerly wind everything in its track caught fire, The whole town appeared a blazing mass.

There was no water supply and fire fighting appliances were inadequate so the people could only look on helpless. Fifty-nine buildings were burned down including the Court House, School of Art, four banks and many shops. The town was built of wood. The post aud telegraph office caught fire but was ultimately saved. Fighting midst scorching flames the inhabitants worked like heroes but so rapid was the fire that their efforts were for the most part useless. Many families are homeless. The police have received a wiro estimating tho damage at £IOO,OOO. September 17. With a view to checking the flames at Murwillumbah from spreading to Solomon and Co.’s big store, the Commercial Bank premises were demolished, .and the experiment was successful. Otherwise it would have been impossible to save a number of buildings in the side streets, which escaped. In the meantime the flames crossed the street and swept a large block on the other side. The Post Office caught seven times, but heroic efforts saved the building. Had it gone ft dozen others must have followed. Patients from a private hospital were removed and tended to in the streets.

It is estimated that 250 people have been rendered homeless. Scores took their beds and slept in the open for the remainder of tho night, and others were accommodated in the churches aud schools. So far as is known no lives were lost, but there were several accidents, none being of a serious .character. During the progress of the lire there was a considerable amount of looting. On the main side of the town only two hotels, a store, and a butcher’s shop remain. Many of the' places wore insured, but the insurances were small compared with tho losses. Amongst tho lines mentioned is the New Zealand Insurance Company, £471.0. It is estimated that the damage by the Murwillumbah Are will range up to £150,000. The greater part of the business centre of the town is a mass of ruins. The whole of tho destruction was wrought in four hours. But for the precaution of Xiulliug down buildings in tho track of the conflagration probably the whole town would have been swept out. Loads of furniture and goods of all descriptions saved from the disaster and strewn along the north side of the main street when the outbreak occurred helped to spread tho fire, the sparks soon igniting the goods.

Another Fire

Sydney, September 17. A fire at Bargalow, which also started in a bakery,'destroyed the Bank of New South Wales premises aud six other business places.