IN FLAMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22580, 19 November 1936, Page 11

IN FLAMES

CITY'. OF MADRID REBEL INCENDIARIES BOMBS FBOM THE AIR FIRES' BAPID SPREAD DEAFENING INFEIiNO By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received November 18, 5.5 p.m.) MADRID, Nov. 17 The centre of Madrid early this morning- was in the grip of rapidly spreading fires started by incendiary bombs dropped from the insurgents' aircraft. The Duke of Alba's palace—one of the most magnificent buildings in the city, was enveloped in flames which at' one time threatened to destroy priceless art treasures. These were salvaged, however, before the flames got a hold. Several other famous landmarks were blazing as the Gran Via and other streets became rivers of fire under a ceaseless rain of bombs which spread burning calcium. A succession of explosions of air bombs joined to the unabated roar of General Franco's bombardment increased the deafening inferno as dawn broke. The smoke from blazing buildings is ,visible for miles. Civilians are hastening, panicstricken, to the north-eastern suburbs, which the insurgents announced would be regarded as a refuge area. Firemen are fighting the flames, particularly at the Provincial and San Carlo Hospitals. San Jeronimo el Real, where ex-King Alfonso married Queen Ena, is among the churches set on fire, compelling the flight of those who took refuge there. It was built in 1503, and heirs to "tho Thron® took the oath of accession in it. The invaders of University City, in spite of counter-attacks, hold their ground. General Franco, realising the costliness of too fcastv an advance, has ordered a slower and more systematic movement. BLOCKS DESTROYED r AWFUL HAVOC CAUSED FIRE-FIGHTERS EXHAUSTED

(Received November 19, 1.55 a.m.) MADRID, Nov. IS

The fires in the capital are spreading in spite of every effort to quell them, though the outbreak in the seventeen-storev Telephone Exchange is now under control. This was one of the principal targets because its destruction would paralyse the dissemination of orders for the adequate continuance of the defence.

Elsewhere whole blocks of buildings have been destroyed. A fire in the Plaza del Carmen market, between the Gran Via and the Puerta del Sol. roared through the neighbouring buildings. High explosives added to the havoc created bv incendiary bombs, tearing holes in streets, paralysing the tram service, bursting water-mains and retarding the task of the firemen. Doctors, nurses and firemen are dropping with fatigue. A comparative lull prevails on the outer battlefields where the rebels are < ''thcring in strength for a fresh attack. TREASURES IN CAPITAL MANY FINE COLLECTIONS BUILDINGS AND MONUMENTS Madrid is situated on the left bank of the River Manzanares. The city is built on an elevated and undulating plateau and its highest point is 2372 ft. above sea-level. The form of Madrid proper, exclusive of .the modern suburbs, is that of a square with rounded corners. Of the former 16 city gates only three now exist. The Manzanare3 is spanned by six bridges. The Puerta del Sol is the centre of the city, the largest of its. ninny, plazas, and the place of most traffic. On its right stands the Ministry of tha Interior, a building dating ffom 1768. The Calle de Alcala contains the Academy of Fine Arts, in which there is a collection of paintings by Spanish masters, including some of the bestknown works of Murillo. The house occupied, by Cervantes, author of "Don Quixote," from 1606 until his death in 1616, stands where the PJaza Mayor, formerly the scene of tournaments, meets the Calle de .Leon. In this street is the Academy of History, with a valuable library and collections of manuscripts arid plate. In the centre of the Plaza del Oriente is an equestrian statue of Phillip IV. (1621-1665), which was designed by Velasquez. Madrid has made very rapid progress during the 20th century, and new suburbs have grown to the north and east. Many new parks and fine buildings have been erected. The Basilica do Nuestra Senora de Atocha was originally founded in 1523. The collegiate church of San Lsidro el Real dates from 1651 and is dedicated to the patron saint of Madrid, who died in 1170 and whose remains are entombed there. The church of San Francisco el Grande, which contains many interesting monuments, is also known as the National Pantheon. To tho south is the royal armoury, which contains what is possibly the best collection of the kind in existence. APPEAL TO LEADERS PROTECT THE INNOCENT CAUSE OF PRISONERS LONDON, Nov. 17 An appeal to the Spanish leaders, in the name of Christianity, to cease reprisals, spare prisoners, and protect women and children has been made by tho Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of Upsala, Sweden, Professor Lamont, the Rev. M. E. Aubrey, secretary of the Baptist Union, and Dr. Boegna, head of the French Protestant Federation. Mr. J. McGovern, M.P., and the secretary of tho Independent Labour Party, Mr. McNair, have gone to Spain V) investigate tho situation.