Brighouse & Rastrick Gazette. — 1891-11-07 (Brighouse, West Yorkshire, England)

SERIOUS FIRE AT SANDRINGII,AM.  Great excitement was occasioned in the neigh. bourhood of Sandringham and Lynn on Sunday morning when it became known that the residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales was on fire. About 7.30 a.m. a letter carrier named Eromerson was walking across the park when he saw smoke Issuing from the upper storey windows of the main portion of the hall, and be immediately communicated the fact to the police. It was soon seen that the whole suite of apartments in that part of the building which was not occupied was in flames, and the destruction of the entire house seemed inevitable. The Prince of Wales was expected at Sandringham on Saturday next, and preparations were in active progress for his reception. Fires had been lighted in all parts of the house, and it is surmised that a spark from one (of the flues or from a bad joint in the chimney had in some way communicated with the woodwork, and had possibly been sznouldering all night. Fortunately the flames did not burst forth till daylight, otherwise the damage must have been still more serious. The fire-bell at Sandringham Hall was instantly rung and the alarming news spreading rapidly, people from all parts of the surrounding district speedily proceeded to the spot. Two or three men on horseback rode through the village shouting on their way "Sandringham Hall on fire." The Sandringham Fire Brigade, under the direction of Mr. Mann, was soon playing on the flames, which by this time had got a good hold, and there were plenty of willing helpers, who did useful work under the direction of Sir Dighton Probyn. The Lynn Fire Brigade were summoned, and they were soon at Sandringham, with the chief officer, Mr. Silcock. The Great Eastern Company's fire engine stationed at Lynn was sent by special'train, Uncle( the direction of Mr. Clifton and Mr wlison, and Chief Constable Ware and a body of Lynn police were also drafted over. In about an hour after the alarm was raised the top of the building was lc flames, which could be seen for miles aroynoch and soon after the roof fell in. By half-past 11 the fire was fairly got under. In the meantime a gang of men had been engaged in reproving the most valuable furniture from the lower rooms to the lawn, whence they were removed to a place of safety. The upper part of the building and the rooms on the second floor and third floors were entirely destroyed With their contents, whilst the rooms below wer: much injured by water. The damage is estimated at from £lO,OOO to £15,000. One of the firere'''' was hurt by some falling timber, but his injuries were found to be of only a slight character. The Prince of Wales was kept constantly informed of the progress of the Are and the measures which were being taken for extinguishing it.  The Portuguese mail steamer irom the East coast of Africa, which arrived at Marseilles on Sunday, brings intelligence that tranquillity prevails in Mozambique. The relations between the British and Portuguese are, however, reported to be somewhat strained, and a s?Tious conflict is stated to have occurred at Lourenco Marques between some British and Portuguese soldiers, in which two persons were killed and 15 injured. At the Royal Court of Guernsey on Saturday a prvet de loi, granting a deliberative and elective voice in parish meetings to widow ladies, spinsters, and married ladies who are separated as to property, was unanimously passed. The ladies, however, are not eligible for any public office. The bill will be presented for the decision of the States of the Island in due course. An inquest was held at Weston-under-Wetherley on Saturday, before Dr. Wynter, coroner, on the body of John Rainbow, who, on Thursday evening, shot his cousin and afterwards committed suicide. The father of the deceased said he knew his son had quarrelled with the murdered man and some months ago had a tight with him. The jury, after hearing the evdence, returned a verdict of suicide while temporarily instill&