GREATFIRE IN MELBOURNE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1291, 26 November 1896, Page 37

GREATFIRE IN MELBOURNE.

Melbourne, November 22. The most disastrous fire that has ever occurred in this city broke out last night between Collins street and Lictle Flinders lane—the centre of an immense block of warehouses.

The outbreak was discovered in Beath, Scheiss and Co/s clothing warehouse, and the fire had evidently been burning for several hours before it was noticed, for the flames had a firm hold, and quickly spread to Allen's (wholesale clothing agents) and Dean and Co.'s (oil and colour merchants) which comprised a handsome block of brick buildings. Fed by Dean's large stores 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 to saving the adjoining buildings, several of which caught.

J.H.Turner's (hatmerchant) buildingand stock were considerably damaged ; while on the opposite side of the street, Rogers' (stained glass merchant) handsome buildings; Collier and Sons' (importers) Assembly Hall, and other premises were ignited, but by the strenuous efforts of the whole force of the city and suburban brigades, the flames were checked before they had seriously spread from the first block. The efforts of the firemen were greatly hampered by the immense crowd which thronged the streets in the vicinity, and completely congested the thoroughfares. A strong cordon of blue jackets and police had the greatest difficulty in keeping the crowd at bay. The brigades were also greatly impeded by falling walls. Several narrow escapes are reported. One fireman was injured by a brick falling on his head, and a policeman was also felled while removing a spectator from the roof of an adjoining building. The premises of Beath, Allen and Dean, with their immense stocks, were completely destroyed. The fire burned all night, and is still smouldering amongst the ruins.

The damage is roughly estimated at between .£'75,000 and .£BO,OOO, against which are insurances totalling .£91,000.