EXPLOSION AT MELBOURNE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2765, 21 March 1910, Page 5

EXPLOSION AT MELBOURNE.

CABLE NEWS.

FOUR SHOPS DESTROYED

United Press Association —Copyright (Received! March 19, 5.50 p.m.) MELBOURNE, March 19. Four shops in Brunswick Street, Fitz_ roy, have been destroyed by a mysterious explosion. Eleven persons were residing in the wrecked premises. One, Crabtree, a grocer, was seriously injured, being buried in the debris. Mrs. Sneddon and her daughter were also severely hurt. The explosion was accompanied by a vast sheet of flame, supposed to be attributable to gas. THE EXPLOSION CAUSED BY INCENDIARISM. (Received 1 March 20, 5 p.m.) MELBOUL 1. March 20. The four shops were almost demolished by the explosion. A man named Shaw confessed to tho police that recently Crabtree effected an insurance on his stock, and removed about £4OO worth. Shavings were carted in in large quantities, and lie and Crabtree on Friday night saturated these with methylated spirits and benzine. It was arranged' that when the place was well alight Sliaw should jump from the verandah and give an alarm, but the scheme miscarried. When Crabtree struck a light a violent explosion followed, and Shaw knew no more. (Received March 21, 12.40 a.m.) The explosion damaged 47 other buildings, the majority slightly, on both sides of the street. All windows for a long distance were shattered.