Wharf on Fire

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 21, 15 June 1914, Page 5

Wharf on Fire

CHEAT SEAFRONT CONFLAGRATION

SYDNEY SHIPPING IN DANGER,

DAMAGE FROM £50,000 TO £IOO,OOO.

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, June 13. A great fire at Darling Harbor destroyed a large portion of the Xorth German Lloyd's cargo wharf, measuring 500 ft by 100 ft, extensive sheds, containing much wools, copra and oilier \ 'tillable cargo. The damage is roughly estimated at over £50,000. The °inil force of the fire, brigade assisted the nien of the Australian warships, and after a fierce fight prevented the (ire spreading to adjoining premises. The steamer Tropic, moored at an adjoining wharf, was tnreatened, but the water police and bluejackets succeeded in removing her to safety.

GREAT FIGHT WITH THE FLAMES. POLICE-SERGEANT'S NARROW ESCAPE.

Received 15, 12.40 a.m. Sydney, June 14. The fire was a brilliant spectacle. It lit the sky for miles. A big two-decked store, running the 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 Mcllwraith's, adjoining on each side, while the flying debris threatened the more distant wharves and vessels at anchor in the vicinity.

A number of small craft were towed to safety by the water police and the men of the warships at considerable risk, and only by unwearying efforts. The 'brigades, splendidly assisted by the naval men, saved what threatened to be a much bigger conflagration. A strong force of police kept the immense Saturday night crowd 9 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. The ruins are still smouldering. Estimates of the damage range to £IOO,OOO.