DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. Sydney, November 25.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 320, 28 November 1888, Page 4

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. Sydney, November 25.

One of the most disastrous fires which have occurred in this city for some years broke out at ten o'clock on Saturday night. The building in which the fire originated is a large four-storey one situated in Market-street, and occupied by the " Sydney Evening News," "Town and Country Journal," " Illustrated News,' and seveial professional offices. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade, as well as all the volunteer brigade?, were smartly on the scene, but were unable to prevent the destruction of the block of buildings, though their efforts were successful in preventing the spread of the fire to the adjacent premises, which escaped with slight damage. The origin of the fire is unknown but it must have had a good hold when fiist discovered, as it spread with ligh lining rapidity and in a few minutes theie was nothing left to mark a fine block of offices but a pile of smoking embers, &c. The sight while the fire was raging was one of grandeur, and it was quite two and a-half hours before the danger to the adjacent premises was removed. The amount of loss is unknown, but the premises were insured in the Aastralian Mutual Insurance Orifice for of which, however ninetenths is reinsured in various offices. The other insurances are unknown, but it is believed they amount to fully The whole of the machinery used in connection with the publication of the papers mentioned is destroyed, but, as the proprietors had taken the precaution to have a duplicate plant erected in a separate building, it is expected that the publication will not be long delayed. It is estimated that the loss by the fire at the JC Evening News " offices will be p£60,000. The " Sydney Morning Herald " office will print and publish the " Evening News" for the present. The Government have placed their printing office at the disposal of the proprietary for the production of the " Town and Country Journal." The " Daily Telegraph " is also rendering assistance.