Fire was responsible for the destruction of a Chinese godown in the centre of the Settlement on Sunday evening. About 6.40 p.m, the alarm was given, and " glance towards the Foochow Road district revealed a huge cloud of smoke hanging like a pall over the congested buildings there—a cloud of such great density that only close at hand could the rising flames be seen. The outbreak was near the junction of Fukien and Foochow Roads, in a godown numbered 154 Fukien Road, and within a very short time the flames had practically destroyed the interior, Used principally for the storage of sweetmeats and similar products, the godown fell a ready prey to the flames, and the neighbouring buildings were also threatened with an extension of the fire. With the exception of the one immediately adjoining, however, this was averted, and the house in question escaped with some damage from fire and water. The cause of the fire is unknown, as the godown had' been shut up at five o'clock. The) loss is insured against to the extent of Tls. 4,500.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.