FIRES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIC, Issue 13393, 17 September 1907, Page 5

FIRES.

GREAT' DAMAGE DONE. Press Association-By Telegraph-Copyright SYDNEY, September 16. A big fire occurred at Murwillumbah, a picturesque town on the. Tweed river, a large portion of the main street being 'destroyed. Over fifty residences and places of business were burned,, including four banks. Many persons are homeless. PARTICULARS OF THE DISASTER. Received 11.31 p.m.. September 16th. . SYDNEY, September 16. The' fire began in a bakery, and under the influence of a strong westerly wind swept .everything in its track. The whole town appeared to lie a blazing mass. There, was no water supply, and the fire-fighting appliances were inadequate. The people only looked on helpless, while: 59'buildings'were burned, including the Courthouse, school of art, four banks, and many shops. The town was: built of wood. The past and telegraph office caught, but was ultimately saved. In'fighting amidst {he scorching flames, the inhabitants worked like slaves, but so rapid was the fire that their efforts were for the most part- useless. Many families are homeless. The police have received a wire estimating the damage at £IOO,OOO.