A large fire in western Chapel broke out after 1 pin. yesterday, and still burning fiercely at 5 pin. The ruins shouldered throughout the night and occasionally burst out into flame. The extent of loss is unknown.
Across the Soochow Creek and opposite the sector defended by the American Marines, in an area somewhat north and east from the Municipal incinerator, which is situated at the intersection of Penang and West Soochow Roads, flames burst into the sky, followed by clouds of black smoke. Observers stated that aeroplanes had flown over the neighbourhood, both before and after the first sign of fire was seen. In view of the fact that no explosive bombs were dropped, the theory is advanced that the catastrophe was started by bombs. point further inland.
Observers pointed out that they carried with them four or five machine guns and several A. A. guns. Where these next will be mounted is a matter of conjecture.
At 4 pin, the flames had spread to a point within 30 yards of the creek, aided by a strong wind, Suddenly the wind veered and a five-storey structure, above which a British flag was flying, was in the direct line of fire, the flames being within 45 yd. Inasmuch as the structure is fireproof, with only a minimum of inflammable furniture, it seemed last evening that no great damage would be done, excepting to the windows,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.