CANADA

Taranaki Daily News, 8 February 1916, Page 5

CANADA

THE OTTAWA FIRE. INCENDIARISM NOT PROVED. Ottawa, Feb. 6. Some members, whose escape was cut off in the Parliament Building, joined Lands and passed through the fire and smoke safe,ly. By the time the fire brigade arrived the central part of the building was heard crashing down and the fire spread to the tower on the eastern side, enveloping the Senate. The strong wind saved the library. The Speaker's chambers, with valuable paintings and costly furnishings, were destroyed. Police guarded the doors of the buildings and it would have been difficult for anyone deliberately to set fire to them without detection. A smouldering cigar might have been responsible for the outbreak, although smoking is prohibited within the precincts of the chambers. The value of the main building was £300,000. The value of the contents cannot be estimated in money. BRITISH HELP SUGGESTED TO REBUILD. London, Feb, 6. The Star suggests that Britain rebuild the Ottawa Parliament House as a token of gratitude for Canada's war services. The Observer suggests donations to co-operate with Canada. ATTEMPT TO BLOW TTP A ■■ BRIDGE. Montreal. February 4. An attempt was made to Wow up the Victoria railway bridge on the St. Lawrence. Guards fired at a man who was approaching on the ice, but he escaped.