DESTROYED BY FIRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26659, 3 January 1948, Page 5

DESTROYED BY FIRE

REMINGTON PUBLIC STAND WELL-KNOWN TO FOLLOWERS OF RACING N.Z.P.A.—Copyright MELBOURNE, Jan. 2.

Just after the last race at Flemington yesterday afternoon, a fire, which broke out in the public stand on Flemington’s famous hill, totally destioyed the structure. Thousands of people who were about to leave the course remained to watch the huge biaze, which swept the large wooden building from end to end. The stand, which was built in the early days of Flemington’s history, was known to racegoers all over the world, as its long series of roof gables figure prominently in most photographs of Flemington racecourse. A small fire apparently caused by a cigarette butt was noticed on the wooacii terraced seats of the stand during the running of the last race, but this was put out by attendants with an extinguisher. When all the people had left the stand it was decided to investigate further. Boards we r e pulled up, and the fire burst through from beneath, quickly assuming serious proportions. The fire brigade was called, but then found no water in the hydrants. After seme delay hoses were laid on to an emergency reservoir. By this time the stand, which was 60 years old, was alight almost from end to end, and little could be done to save the building. Smoke and heat drove the staff from the nearby totaiisator building hut. The pay-out had been completed because the last race was won by an outsider. Four bars beneath the stand were crowded with hundreds of men having their last drinks. Most declined to leave, although the fire was raging not far above them, until police and firemen ejected them. A large quantity of liquor was lost when the fire soon after destroyed the bars. The fire burned for three hours before it finally demolished the entire building. It is not known yet how the destruction of the stand will affect future race meetings scheduled at Flemington. The hill has always been a popular part of the racecourse because of the fine view it offers of the racing, many people preferring it to the more expensive parts of the course. On big days up to 50,000 people were accommodated on the hill.