GREAT FIRE IN SYDNEY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 617, 20 March 1929, Page 9

GREAT FIRE IN SYDNEY

BOY BRAVELY RESCUED

FLAMES RISE 100 FT IN AIR (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) SYDNEY, Tuesday. A spectacular fire this afternoon destroyed Hudson’s chemical factory in the suburb of Glebe. The refreshment room in Grace Brothers’ huge department store next door was also badly damaged. The flames rose 100 ft in the air. There were successive explosions. Two employees of Hudson’s were badly injured. Five floors of the building were gutted and the firemen did well to save Grace Brothers’ store from worse damage. The cause of the fire was unusual. Frank Liddell, aged 15, was carrying a bottle of chemicals which fell and exploded. The lad was severely burned and the flames set fire to the premises. Thomas McKenzie, an employee of the firm, rescued Liddell in heroic circumstances. He carried him downstairs, but their exit was cut off by the flames, which had spread with amazing rapidity. McKenzie then retraced his steps through the danger area and finally reached the street with Liddell, who was in great pain. The damage caused by the outbreak is estimated at £40,000.