THE OTTAWA OUTRAGE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4158, 8 February 1916, Page 5

THE OTTAWA OUTRAGE.

SPEAKER’S CHAMBERS DESTROYED.

THE DAMAGE INESTIMABLE.

CAUSE OF THE FIRE DISCUSSED.

OTTAWA, Feb. 6

Some members whose escape was cut off in Parliament Buildings joined bands and passed through the fire and smoke in safety. By the time the fire brigade arrived the central part of the building was heard to be crashing in. The fire spread to the lower chamber on the eastern side, enveloping the Senate. A strong wind saved the library. The Speaker’s Chambers, with valuable paintings and costly furnishings were destroyed. . Tho police guarded the doors of the buildings, and it v r ould have been difficult for anyone to have deliberately caused the fire without detection. A smouldering cigar might have been responsible for the outbreak, although smoking was prohibited in the precincts of the Chambers. The value of the main building was three hundred thousand pounds sterling. The value of the contents was inestimable. . , The London '’’Star” suggests that Britain should rebuild the Ottawa Parliament House as a token of gratitude for war services. , , , The “Observer” suggests that donations should be subscribed to cooperate in the rebuilding of the structure.

GETTING THE MEN. THE NEW RECRUITING SCHEME

(Press Association Telegram.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 7. The Recruiting Board lias sent out its letters to all meinbers of Parliament Mayors of cities, chairmen or County Councils, chairmen of town Boards, and heads of recruiting organisations, and the new scheme will ibe in active operation within tfie next few weeks. ‘ , .. , The first batch of alphabetical lists, giving the .names, addresses, and occupation. of men of military age, was posted to-day, and other lists will follow as they are received from the Government Printing Office, There, are 312 of these lists, that being the number of recruiting districts. into which the Dominion has been divided. The intention of the Board, is that- a powerful recruiting committee shall be formed in every district, tinder the direction of the head office, of the local body. Existing recruiting organisations will be asked to assist and merge themselves in the new organisation, which will be thoroughly representative of all interests. Toen the new committee will be supplied with a list of all men of military age in its district, and its business will be to account for them.

THE CHINESE REBELS.

DEFEATED BY GOVERNMENT FORCES.

(United Press Association—Copyright) (Received Feb. 7, 11.15 p.m.) PEKIN, Eeb. 7. The Government’s forces defeated the rebels near Suifu, and are now advancing on Suifu. _____

LOSS OF THE SQUALL.

MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY OPENED

(Press Association Telegram.) NAPIER. Feb. 7

A magisterial inquiry into the loss of tihe Squall on February 2 waft opened to-night before Mr. McCarthy, S.M., and Captains Lake and Parsons (assessors). Mr. Rose conducted the case for the Marine Department. Captain Vasta, of the Squall, said the vessel altered her course on several occasions until Horowera Point was passed. She sti’UGk at 8.30. The shock was not severe, but a few minutes later there was two feet of water in the (hold, and the vessel too'k a. bad.list. He then ordered the boats out. .

Mr. Coldicutt, the mate, said the vessel sank within half an hour after shei struck, ... Mr. Brown (second mate) said there was no confusion when the vessel struck. He had relieved) the captain on the bridge for a quarter of an hour. The captain told him to steer east by south. The vessel-was about the usual distance from land. Nalder (A. 8.), who was .on the bridge when the steamer struck, said there was a very nasty jar, which swung the vessel outwards. The inquiry will bo continued tomorrow.