"Brilliant Spectacle.” FIRE IN DARLING HARBOR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 45, 15 June 1914, Page 5

"Brilliant Spectacle.” FIRE IN DARLING HARBOR.

damage on the wharves. . -2 l»r Elbotuo Telegraph—Copyright] j {United Prkm Association \v Sydney, June 13. A great fire at Darling Harbor destroyed a large portion of the North German Lloyd’s cargo wharf, measuring 600 ft by 100 ft, extensive sheds, containing much wools, copra and other valuable cargo. The full force of the fire brigade assisted the men of the ' Australian warships. The fire was a brilliant spectacle. It lit the sky for miles. The big twodecked store, running tfie whole length of the wharf, and filled with merchandise, was completely gutted. Early in the fight it was realised that the German wharf was doomed, and efforts were concentrated on saving Dalgety’s and Moll wraith V’ adjoining on each side, while' the flying debris threatened the more distant c wharves and vessels at anchor in the vicinity. ; A number of’ small craft were towed to safety by the water police and v the men of the warships at considerable risk, and only by unwearying efforts the brigades splendidly assist- ' ed by the naval men, saved what threatened to be a much bigger conflagration. A strong force of police kept the t immense Saturday njght crowds from encroaching' on the fire zone. The crowd was so dense that many women fainted. A police-sergeant had a narrow escape. He was on the burning wharf, and the flames cut off his retreat. A boat dashed through the fire and brought him to safety. His face and hands were badly scorched.

ESTIMATE OF THE DAMAGE. , (Received 9.2 a.m.) Sydney, June 15. The morning papers place the damage to the North German wharf at £75,000, which sum is covered by insurance.