A BIG FIRE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 17 September 1907, Page 2

A BIG FIRE

A NEW SOUTH WALES TOWN IN FLAMES.

PRINCIPAL STREET DESTROYED.

MANY HOMELESS.

Received Sept. 10, 3.5 p.m. * "V Sydney, September 10 A big fire is raging at Murwillumbah A large porton.of the main street has been destroyed, over fifty residences and places of business being burnf& including four banks. • ** Many are homeless. TOWN IN RUINS. _ FIFTY-NINE "BUILDINGS DESTROYED. NO WATER SUPPLY AVAILABLE. OaE HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS DAMAGE. Received Sept. 18, 11.21 p.m. Sydney, September 16, The picturesque town, of Murwiliumbab, on the banks of the Tweed river, • * • was devastated by fire laßt night. The fire began in a bakery, and, under " tin influence of a strong westerly wind, swept everything in its track. The whole town appeared to be a " blazing mass. There was no water supply, and the fire-fighting appliances were inadequate.

The people could only look on helplessly.

Fifty-nine bbuildingg were burned, including the courthouse, school of arts, four banks, and many shops. The town was built of wood. The post and telegraph office caught, but was subsequently saved. Fighting midst the scorching flames, the inhabitants worked like heroeß, but so rapid was the fire that thfeir efforts for the most part were useless. Many families are homeless. The police have received a wire estimating the damage at £IOO,OOO.