Zeehan and Dundas Herald (Tas. : 1890 - 1922), Saturday 22 December 1900, page 2


Disastrous Fire

AT REGATTA POINT. RAILWAY STATION BURNT TO THE GROUND.

DAMAGES OVER £1,000.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT).

Strahan, Friday.

During the early hours of this morning the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company's station at Regatta Point, the terminus of the Strahan-Queenstown line, was completely destroyed by fire. But few were aware of tbe disaster until they rose this morning, and oven when informed of it expressed their doubts as to the veracity of their informants, but a close inspection proved that it was only too true.

As near as can be ascertained the fire broke out at about 2 o'clock, originating in the lamp-room at the south-west end of the station, and spread right along the entire length of tbe buildings, devastating the whole structure, including the lamp room, waiting-room, ticket office, and Mr Tim Buckley's refreshment bar, which had only recently been opened, and was expensively fitted. Mr H. Gill, stationmaster, Mr Boon, another of the company's officials, and Captain Boon wete quickly on the scene, followed shortly after by others, and every effort made to save tbe buildings and to obtain the company's books, traffic papers, and cash. In this latter they were entirely successful, but to stay the flames was an impossible task, although water was freely used. Finding this, they turned themselves to saving tbe station lately erected for the Regatta Point railway ex-tension line, and although not more than 12ft distant it now stands intact, with but very little damage done, and which will cost but a trifle to repair. 'Several trucks which were standing on the line between tbe two platforms had to be uncoupled and each one pushed away to a safe dis-tance — a laborious task— but not before they had been damaged to a small extent. Mr H. C, Driffield, superintending engineer of the Mount Lyell M. and R. Co., and Mr Lindsay Clarke, who had been staying over night at Strahan were present shortly after tbe outbreak, and directed and assisted in the efforts made to subdue the flames and save other property. On visiting tbe place this morning all that could be seen was a blackened heap of ruins, with here and there a few charred timbers ; piled on top was a mass of bent and twisted galvanised iron, which once

had been tbe roof of the structure. Where the refreshment bar had stood the ground was littered with broken glass, some of which bad been melted by the heat and moulded itself into grotesque shapes. How the buildings close by — Mr Nichol son's store and Mr Higgins' Railway Hotel— escaped is a matter for wonder, for the flames leapt high and far, and the occupants had a trying and anxious time but by strenuous efforts and tbe use of wet blankets they maniged to eave their properties from destruction. Of the two the store was in tbe most imminent dan-ger, what little wind there was fanning the flames in that direction, and, on the other hand, oarrying them away from the hotel. The cause of the outbreak is unknown, and although many opinions are hazarded it would be unwise to suggest any reason here, A special train arrived two hours prior to the outbreak, but whether a spark from tbe engine caused tbe conflagration is, of course, a matter for enquiry. No inconvenience will be suffered by travellers, temporary offices having been already established. With their usual push the Company will commence at once with the ereotion of a new station. In conversation Mr Driffield said that the buildings were partially insured, but in what company he could not state pre-cisely. He estimates tbe damage done at £1,000. Sympathy is expressed on all sides for Mr Buckley in his heavy loss. He had only just stocked tbe refreshment, bar, and his loss is estimated at abont £200, which, it is stated, was uninsured. The telegraph line to Queenstown, which ran at the rear of the station, was destroyed, and direct communication in-terrupted for a time. Mr J. Crump, post master, gave this matter prompt attention, and communication was soon restored. GOVERNMENT AID. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT), Hobart, Friday. The Government have decided to allow tbe Mount Lyell Railway Go., who have had their station at Regatta Point burnt down to use the Strahan station tem porarily.