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BIG FIRE AT TAMWORTH.
Five Buildings Destroyed.
Enormous Damage.
Failure of Fire Appliances.
Fortunate Removal of
Gunpowder.
[BY TELEGRAPH]
SYDNEY, Tuesday.
A fire broke out at 7 o'clock last
evening at Martin's bakehouse, Tam-
worth. The building was situated in
the midst of a block of valuable
buildings. Only a little water was
available and the flames spread
rapidly. The Olympic Hall and Royal
Standard Hotel adjoining were totally
destroyed. The fire also spread to
Martin's general store on the other
side, which was heavily stocked with
drapery, etc., which was all consumed.
The hairdressing establishment next
door was also burnt down.
The fire brigade, with an out-of-date
engine and appliances, did the best it
could, but was not very successful in
checking the fire. Many other build-
ings were consequently in imminent
danger. The town pump is situated
only about 250 yards from the scene
of the conflagration, but the fire engine
was incapable of throwing any consider-
able volume of water on the flames.
No life was lost, but the damage to
property was enormous, running into
thousands of pounds.
The electric light wires overhead in
the street were burnt through, and the
supply was cut off the street lamps.
A squad of volunteers was called out
to control the traffic in the street.
The buildings burned were partially
covered by insurance. The Olympic
was insured for £1000 and the Royal
Standard Hotel for £1200. Martin's
store and bakery were also partially
insured.
Martin's store had been visited by
the police yesterday respecting the
gunpowder stored on the premises, and
a quantity had fortunately been re-
moved. Senior-sergeant Kendall re-
moved the remainder last night, after
which the outbreak of fire commenced.
Had the gunpowder been on the
premises the result might have been
serious.
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