FIRE IN MELBOURNE.

Waikato Argus, Volume I, Issue 60, 24 November 1896, Page 2

FIRE IN MELBOURNE.

DAMAGES £SO,OOO. Meliuuuni:, November 22. The mr.st disastrous fircjthat lias ever occurred in the city broke out last night, between Collins-street and Little Flinders' Lane, in the centre of an immense block of warehouses. The outbreak was discovered in Bsath. Scheiss and Co.'s clothing warehouse, and the fire had evidently been burning several bouts, for the Haines had a firm hold ami quickly spread to Allen's wholesale clothing agency, and to Dean and Co.'s (oi! and colour merchants). which occupied a handsome block of brick buildings. Vcd by Dean's larse store of oil, kerosene, and other inflammable material the fire spread with immense rapidity, and the block was soon one mass of flames, presenting a magnificent spectacle, and brightly illuminating the whole city and country for miles around. From the outset it was apparent that the block was doomed and the firemen concentrated their efforts in saving the adjoining buildings, several of which caught. J. H. Turner's (hat merchant) building and stock were considerable damaged, while on the opposite side of the street Roger's (stained glass merchants) handsome buildings, Collier and Sons (importers), the Assembly Hall, and other premises ignited, but by the strenuous eflorts of the \\ hole force of the city and suburban brigades the flames were checked before they had seriously spread from the first block. The premises of Beath, Allen, an I Dean, with their immeuee stocks, were completely destroyed. The damages is roughly estimated at between £75,000 and £SO,OOO, against which are insurances totalling £91,000.