Burned to the Ground

Toowoomba, January 8. The Withcott Hotel, an old land mark, at the foot of the Range, and a familiary spot to motorists travelling between Brisbane and Toowoomba, was razed to the ground yesterday by fire. The contents were destroyed.

Ferdinand Herbst, the licensee, was absent at the time. The only person on the premises when the outbreak occured was Alexander Mortison, and as far as he is aware the fire occurred between 10.30 and 11 o'clock.

He said he was sitting on the front veranda when his attention was attracted to volumes of smoke pouring through the passage of the building. He discovered the fire, which then had a good hold, in the rear portion of the premises.

Assistance was given by neighbours, but it was impossible to check the flames and in a short time the old wooden building was reduced to ashes.

The hotel, which was fully furnished, it is understood, was the property of Mr. J. Winterbottom, of Brisbane. The bulding was insured for £900 and the contents for £400.

Description source: The Telegraph, 8 January 1930

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