A disastrous fire occurred in Shanghai on Ssturday night as the result of which the Haikuan or Customs Bank in Szechuen Road was completely burat out. The arm was given xt 10.57 and in a very short time afterwards the flames had a firm hold on the buildings and contents. Though at present nothing is known as to the origin or cause of the fire. it was evident from a glance at what little is left standing that the outbreak occurred in one of the, upper rooms. The flimsy wooden interior formed ready fuel. for the flames and despite a large attendance of firemen and a plentiful supply of water coupled with the fact that it was tait ing hatd at the time it was impossible to save the place. The firemen however worked extremely hard and well and no small amount of praise is due to them for their success in saving the adjoining property. The damage is as yet hard to compute, bit it must be very considerable, We understand that the fur ture and contents were insured with one of the companies for which Messrs. Barlow reagents, A curious and regretcumstances has to be reported in ection with the fire. The Hongkew ion of the brigade dashed up to the scene of the conflagration with their hous and reel, and immediately they arrived the pony was taken out of the truck, as usual. He walked a few yards and fell down dead, having done his duty to the last.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.