FIRE AT PERTH.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 96, 25 April 1907, Page 5

FIRE AT PERTH.

LARGE WAREHOUSE GUTTED

HAZARDOUS TASK OF THE

fJIIREMEN

[PBBSS ASSOpiATION.*] (Received April .25, 9.49 a.m.}

PERTH, April 25

The most'disastrous fire in the .history of the .city occurred last .night, and completely gutted Sandover <and Company's .large ifour-storeyed hardware establishment.

The fire started in the -cellar amongst the .paint and benzine, and spread with tremendous rapidity. There was a stock of explosives in the cellar.

Half the firemen attacked the flames, while ,the remainder, entering the explosives ■ department singly, secured parcels and removed them to a place of safety. Tiie work was dangerous, owing to the explosion of .cartridges.

The fire raged for hours. Traffic in the adjoining streets was suspended. White and Company's- and Mackay's drapery establishments were considerably, and other buildings slightly damaged. Sandover's insurances total £46,----034, but the manager states that iihis does not represent anything like the loss.

The other premises are also insurci