FIRE AT RICCARTON.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15863, 7 July 1919, Page 3

FIRE AT RICCARTON.

C.J.O.’S PEOPLE’S STAND , DESTROYED. (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCfHUROH, July 6. Late last night . the big people’s stand in the inside enclosure at the Canterbury Jockey Club’s racecourse was totally destroyed ; by .fire, but how it came to catch alight is a mystery. The caretaker (McNab) was round all the buildings at 10 p.m., and everything was then safe. About half an hour afterwards the stand was found to be on fire from end to end, and before 11.30 was a ruin. The fire brigade went out at the request of Mr Alex. Boyle, (president of the Canterbury Jockey Club, though Riccarton is outside the fire area, but was unable to do anything but play water on a mass of cinders, which was all that was left of the once huge stand. None of the other buildings in the vicinity were damaged, the night fortunately being very calm. The stand was insured for £7OOO in the Alliance office. The loss is specially serious in view of the approaching hunt and National meetings..