FIRE IN SYDNEY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15986, 31 January 1914, Page 9

FIRE IN SYDNEY

LARGE EMPORIUM GUTTED

Pr«u Aj«ocl*tion—Bt T«legxtph—Copyright. SYDNEY, January 30. Snow's emporium has been completely gutted.

The startling spectacle was watched by some 50,000 people. "

The outbreak was discovered at 10.45 ■p.m., and within an hour, in spite of the efforts of the combined force of all the local brigades, only the blackened walls marked where stood one of the busiest liives of industry in the city.

Ainsworth's drapery establishment was seriously threatened, but the brigades managed to confine the fire to the one building. Pieces of burning material were carried as far as Hordern's, and constant watch had to be kept on all the big premises in the vicinity.

The origin of the fire is believed to have been due to an explosion on the top floor of tlie building.

Tho emporium occupied half an acre of ground. It was owned by the trustees in the estate of the late Mr Samuel Hordern, and was lea-sed by Mr Sydney Snow.

The damage is estimated at £45.000 The building was insured for £25,000.

(Received Jan. 31, at 0.35 a.m.) The estimates of the damage range as high ai £60,000.