The Great Sydney Fire.

Southland Times, Issue 19002, 23 March 1903, Page 2

The Great Sydney Fire.

DAMAGES £50"p,006 TO £750,000

By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Per United Press Association. » ■ • SYDNEY, March 21.^ The lire was one of the finest, from a spectacular point of view ever witnessed in Sydney, and it is estimated that there were 100,000 people in the streets. The crowd considerably hampered the firemen, whose task, owing to the construction of the building and the "strong hold the' fire had, was very difficult. The proprietors state that 12,000 tons of spirits, varnish, drapery, furniture and other goods were in the bond. The estimated value is from a. half to three quarters of a million. The building, which was of seven storeys, was valued at £20,000: It is well understood -that most of the insurance companies are involved, and the total will reach a very -largo amount. A large number of firemen wefe engaged to-day pouring water on the smouldering mass. The walls are in a dangerous state. A few adjoining buildings, including the Bord Nelson Hotel, were damaged, chiefly by water and falling debris. CHKAT GVI.V BETWEEN LOSS A XI) COVER. SYDNEY. March 22. Received 22nd. 5.14 p.m. The insurances on the building and stock total £123, n00. distributed amongst thirty-three companies holding direct policies. Jt is understood that a considerable amount .was reinsured. On the stock the South British holds a line of £2360, and the New Zealand Office a similar amount. On the building the N.Z. office has a line of £4275.