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1895
20 April 1895
Disastrous Fire at Mudgee.
MUDGEE, Sunday.
The largest fire ever seen in Mudgee occurred last night, when Messrs. Tait and McDiarmid's large warehouse was completely destroyed. The premises formed one of the oldest landmarks in the town. The fire started in the oil store, to which place one of the hands went to get some kerosene, and like a flash of lighting it extended to the other departments, and the hands had to escape without getting their clothing. A man named Hart, when rushing for water became enveloped in flame, and his hands and arms were severely burnt. The girls in the showroom had to flee for their lives. Mr. Tate, one of the proprietors, managed to close the safe before beating a retreat. Within 10 minutes the fire was in all the departments, both down and upstairs, and only a few pounds worth of goods were saved. An immense crowd assembled, but could not do anything, as the premises burnt like matchwood. The fire engine, manned by volunteers and firemen, prevented the fire reaching the adjoining premises. Within 40 minutes the place was completely gutted, the floors falling through with loud crashes, and portions of the walls trembled and fell in, presenting a grand sight. The first stage of the fire was accompanied by sounds like a desultory musketry fire as the flames ignited the cartridges. A couple of loud explosions shook the place and caused a wholesale retreat of the spectators. The adjoining premises were occupied by Mr. Sheppard, chemist, and Mr. Bishop, saddler1
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1899
23 September 1899
SHEPPARD'S CHEMIST SHOP.
This shop, situate in Market-street, Mudgee, is admitted to be one of the finest and most, complete in every respect to be met with in any country town in New South Wales2
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