"A destructive fire broke out last Sunday, in the Koetong Hotel, formerly occupied by Mr. Osmond, but of which Mr. John Mildren had lately become the licensee. Shortly after 2 o'clock on Sun morning, flames were observed issuing from the hotel, & in spite of all that could be done to quench the conflagration, the building, with its contents, was in a very short time, burned to the ground, all but one room being consumed. The inmates were unable to save anything so rapid was the progress of the fire, and they were only just able to escape with little more than the clothes they stood in. The horses belonging to Messrs. CRAWFORD AND CONLEY, which were in a stable at the back were got out, but were fortunately uninjured. The stables were saved. It is not known how the fire originated, but it is conjectured that it must have proceeded from a candle left burning in one of the bedrooms. General sympathy is expressed for Mr. & Mrs. Mildren, who, we understand, were uninsured, and who have thus lost heavily by the fire. We believe it is Mr. Mildren's intention to supply what accomodation he can for travellers by the coach, in the room left standing, until the completion of the new edifice, which we are informed is to be erected without delay, on the site of the old hotel." Reported from - Upper Murray & Mitta Herald - 6.1.1887 Chris