THE GREAT FIRE IN SYDNEY.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 12022, 23 March 1903, Page 3

THE GREAT FIRE IN SYDNEY.

A COSTLY SPECTACLE.

United Press Association—Per Electric < , Telegraph—Copyright. ! Eeceived 10.41 a.m.. March 21st. | SYDNEY, March 21. The .fire was ont the finest from a spectacular point of view ever witnessed in Sydney. It* is estimated that 100,000 people irere in the streets. They considerably hampered the firemen, whose task, oving to the -construction of the building, and the strong hold of the fire, was v.eiy difficult. No definite information is obtainable as to the amount of the damage or the insurances. The proprietors that 12,000 tons of spirits, varnish, drapery, furniture and other goods were in the bond, and they estimate the value at half to three-quarters of a million pounds. Ti;e building, which was one of seven storeys, was valued at £20.000. It is understood that most of the insurance companies are involved, and the total will reach a very large amount. A large number of firemen are still enpaged in pouring water on the sHjouldering mass inside the building. The walls are dangerous. A few of the adjoining buildings, including the Lord Nelson Hotel, were damaged, chiefly by water and falling debris.

THE INSURANCES. Received 5.14 p.m.. March 22nd. SYDNEY. March 22. The insurances on the building and stock total £125,500. distributed among thirtythree companies holding direct policies. It Sr. understood that a considerable amount is reinsured. On the stock the South TJr'rtish Company holds a line of £2360. and the New Zealand office a similar nmumi. On the building New Zealand has line of £4275.