Strath Taieri Hotel destroyed

ONE of the oldest landmarks in Middlemarch, the Strath Taieri Hotel, which was erected before the construction of the Otago Central railway, was completely destroyed by fire at an early hour this morning. The hotel was recently taken over by Mr C. Theyers, of Alexandra, from Mr T. Quirk, and the new licensee will be a heavy loser. It is supposed that the fire originated in a stable at the back of the building, but wherever it started, the flame spread with great rapidity, and soon enveloped the hotel, which was a large, onestorey, wooden structure of about 25 rooms. Only a little of the furniture was saved, but all the occupants escaped unhurt. A motor garage, rented by messrs Ross and Burke, adjoined the back portion of the premises; and this was also destroyed, including three or four motorcycles which were inside. There were also several motor cars in this garage but these were saved.