DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 208, 22 January 1913, Page 5

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

A BIG BLAZE AT CAMBRIDGE. By Telegraph —Press Association. Cambridge, Tuesday. A destructive fire broke out last night, when a block of buildings immediately adjoining the site of the National Hotel was destroyed by fire. Last month, on

the occasion of the hotel fire, the extensive stables owned by Crowtlier and Bell miraculously escaped destruction, although swept by the flames from the

burning hotel. Last night, however, the stables were completely demolished. The fire broke out in a painter and decorator's shop occupied by F. J. Fitzgerald, and rapidly spread to the stables on the one side and F. J. Marfell's motor garage on the other. The whole block was soon burning fiercely. All the buildings were wiped out,' and the adjoining temporary bar of the National Hotel, erected since the fire, was also entirely destroyed. All the horses and vehicles were rescued from the stables, and six motor-cars were safely taken out of the motor garage, four other cars belonging to private owners, however, perishing in the flames. The stock of wines and spirits from the hotel bars was saved. The ruins were still smouldering this morning. The supply of water proved quite inadequate to deal with the conflagration', and the Borough Council will again be urged to institute a water supply system suitable for firefighting purposes. The damage done by last night's blaze will run into some thousands of pounds, exceeding in extent the loss incurred by the hotel fire. Particulars of the insurances are not available, but the Royal Exchange, South British, and London and Lancashire offices are chiefly affected.