BIG FIRE AT SYDNEY

Evening Star, Issue 18533, 16 January 1924, Page 5

BIG FIRE AT SYDNEY

DAMAGE* £IOO,OOO. LOOTING IN EVIDENCE. Press Association —By Telegraph-Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Press Association. SYDNEY, January 15. The fire at Marc'us Clark’s furniture factory is still smouldering. The scene to-day was one of extensive wreckage. It shows the splendid efforts of the firemen, who though handicapped by a short supply of water, saved the destruction of the whole block. At one time they had to fight eight separate outbreaks, -but they managed to confine the worst effects to Clark s larvc buildings, which were completely gutted. Most of the damage to the adjoining buildings was caused by the cob lapsing walls. The Salvation Army citade. was among the buildings which suffered most. _ .... , The householders in tfio vicinity, who pushed their furniture into the streets thinking that their homes were doomed, fared liadlv, as tho surging crowd smashed and daiffnged a largo quantity of household goods. The crush grew so large that numbers were knocked down, while others fainted and were tramped on. One - person required medical attention. The Salvationists were conducting a service in their citadel next door to Clark’s when the fire started. Commander Mathers, who was officiating, prevented a stampede by ordering no pamo and telling, the congregation to move out slowly. These orders were obeyed. -He then organised a salvage brigade, and rescued much Army property and assisted householders to get their belongings from threatened houses. Number; of the latter to-day are mourning the loss of valuables, looters having made the most of the opportunity during the crush and excitement. The damage through the fire is now estimated at £IOO.OOO.