Hunt on for city arsonist

AFTERMATH: The remains of the Bridges Brothers building.

THE blaze that caused up to $10 million damage to Hobart's Bridges Brothers building was deliberately lit, Tasmania Police says.

Inspector David Plumpton said yesterday police were investigating the suspicious fire that started between midnight and 4am last Saturday.

"The Tasmanian Fire Service have concluded their investigation and identified the fire as being deliberately lit," Insp Plumpton said yesterday.

But he said it could still be some time before police charged anybody.

"We are undertaking a rigorous and detailed investigation, but it will take some time.

"We are still going through a lot of evidence and we want anyone who has any information or saw someone to contact police."

Meanwhile, Insp Plumpton said officers were still investigating a fire on Hobart's Queens Domain on Thursday night.

The blaze that destroyed 17ha of grass and bushland on the eastern side of the Domain also appeared to have been deliberately lit.

The fire continued to burn yesterday, preventing investigators from accessing the scene until late in the day.

It was initially estimated that the fire had burnt 5ha, but the full extent of destruction became apparent later.

Insp Plumpton said police believed the fire was deliberately lit because of the time it occurred and its location.

"But we will await final advice from the Tasmanian Fire Service," he said.

Fire Service officer Michael Netherton said a number of fires were still burning inside trees on the Domain, making the area unsafe.

But heavy showers yesterday helped fire officers and Hobart City Council crews douse parts of the fire in the morning.

"The rain had a significant impact on it but there are still a lot of fires inside trees," Mr Netherton said.

Investigations to determine the fire's cause were continuing.

-- with JENNIFER CRAWLEY

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Former top cop attack

THE man credited with ending Melbourne's violent gangland war has been the victim of an alleged assault on the Hobart Waterfront.

Former top cop Simon Overland, now the high profile head of Tasmania's Justice Department, was walking with his wife near the waterfront on Thursday evening when he was allegedly king-hit by a man trying to steal two bottles of wine being carried by the couple.

However, it appears Mr Overland the former Victoria Police chief commissioner was no easy target.

After being struck to the ground, Mr Overland regained his feet and immediately restrained his alleged attacker, while Mrs Overland called police on her mobile phone.

Tasmania Police arrived a short time later and apprehended the man before charging him with assault.

The Mercury understand Mr Overland went to hospital for a check-up but was released a short time later.

Mr Overland spent nearly 20 years in the Australian Federal Police force before joining Victoria Police, where he headed the Purana Taskforce that tackled Melbourne's organised crime.

He replaced Christine Nixon as Victoria Police Chief Commissioner in 2009.

Mr Overland is credited with playing a major role in bringing an end to the Melbourne gangland wars which resulted in convictions and lengthy jail terms for underworld figures Carl Williams and Tony Mokbel and became the subject of the first Underbelly television series.

Yesterday Mr Overland, who took over as head of Tasmania's Justice department in July last year, declined to talk to the Mercury.

It is believed Tasmania Police have charged a man who will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court at a later date.

matthew.smith@news.com.au

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Four hurt in Tamar crash

One of the vehicles involved in the Tamar Highway car crash.

FOUR people have been injured in a head-on crash in slippery conditions near Bell Bay on the East Tamar Highway.

Launceston police said the two-vehicle accident happened just before noon today.

Emergency crews used cutting equipment to free two people trapped after the crash.

Four people were taken to hospital for treatment but their injuries were not believed to be life threatening.

It is believed the driver of the northbound vehicle lost control in wet conditions and slid into the path of the other car.

Police officers were diverting traffic around the crash scene.

Southbound motorists were advised to travel via Dalrymple Rd, with northbound traffic diverted via East Arm Rd to Dalrymple Rd.

Police issued a warning to motorists earlier today to beware of slippery road conditions because of wet weather.

A vehicle roll-over occurred at the intersection of Bell Bay Rd and Temco Rd, Bell Bay, about 9.30am today.

The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, escaped without injury.

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Armed robbery at Sandy Bay

TWO men have held up a Sandy Bay newsagency during peak hour on the main road.

Tasmania Police said the two suspects were men wearing hoodies, masks and were armed with some type of weapon.

They said the men ran off into the adjoining Woolworths complex.

It was unknown whether anything was stolen from the newsagency on Sandy Bay Rd.

Police would not reveal what weapons were used in the incident, which took place about 4.30pm.

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Chopper rescues injured rafter

A FEMALE rafter with a suspected broken ankle has been airlifted from the edge of the Franklin River on Tasmania's West Coast.

Police said the 21-year-old woman was part way through a 10-day rafting trip when the accident happened yesterday.

The Tasmania Police Westpac Rescue Helicopter was sent to the scene about 7am today, with access made easier by the low water level in the river.

The woman was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where she is in a stable condition.

The helicopter was also called out overnight to rescue a walker who became lost while tackling Mt Amos in Freycinet National Park on the East Coast.

Police said the Victorian man set out late in the day and lost his way while returning from the summit.

He used a mobile phone to alert police to his plight about 6pm yesterday.

Officers who walked into the area were unable to locate the man. The helicopter found him on the western side of Mt Amos about 2am and winched him to safety.

Police said the man -- dressed in shorts and T-shirt -- was cold but not injured. He was taken back to his car at Coles Bay.

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Epic trip begins in earnest

The expedition team before its departure on Elephant Island off the Antarctic Peninsula. Picture: AFP

AN Australian-led expedition retracing Sir Ernest Shackleton's audacious 1916 crossing of the Southern Ocean has set sail.

The team of six took off in a small lifeboat from Elephant Island, in the South Shetland Islands, about 6am today (AEDT).

They are bound for South Georgia in the Southern Atlantic, about 800 nautical miles across the fearsome Southern Ocean, following the course of the explorer's perilous voyage.

Sir Ernest's crossing took 17 days, with a three-day trip across South Georgia.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard offered the expedition her best wishes today.

"On behalf of our nation, and in the warm spirit of Anglo-Australian friendship, I wish you well in the challenging days ahead," she said in statement.

Leading the crew aboard an exact replica of the 6.9-m whaler James Caird is 46-year-old Adelaide environmental scientist Tim Jarvis.

"Clearly there are inherent dangers involved in attempting an expedition of this magnitude," Mr Jarvis said shortly before taking off today.

"Shackleton's journey certainly defied the odds."

"I hope this expedition not only does his memory justice but also reminds us all of how incredibly beautiful, yet fragile, this part of the world is."

The crew's boat has been renamed the Alexandra Shackleton after the explorer's granddaughter.

"The expedition will be incredibly demanding both at sea and on land," Ms Shackleton warned today.

In the final leg of the journey, the crew plans to use only the equipment and food available to Shackleton during a two-day climb to 900m over the mountainous, crevassed interior of South Georgia.

Shackleton set off from Elephant Island in April 1916, after his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition's vessel, Endurance, became stuck in ice and was abandoned.

He made it to South Georgia and raised the alarm at a whaling station, and rescuers were eventually able to save the stranded party without loss of life.

Shackleton died of a heart attack off South Georgia in 1922 during his fourth Antarctic expedition when he was trying to circumnavigate the continent.

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State's $15m Blundstone boost

THE Tasmanian Government has committed $15 million to the Blundstone Arena redevelopment.

While Tasmania continues struggle financially, Premier Lara Giddings today said the money would come from infrastructure funding already allocated in the 2014-15 Budget.

The redevelopment will increase the ground's capacity from 15,000 to about 19,500 and create more than 300 jobs in the construction phase.

Ms Giddings said the investment would help Hobart attract 2015 World Cup cricket matches and hopefully more North Melbourne AFL games.

"The State Government is supporting this project because it will create much-needed jobs for Tasmanians and improve our ability to host more elite level sport like today's one-day international and AFL matches," Ms Giddings said.

"Major sporting events provide a huge boost to local businesses and also make Tasmanian an attractive place for people to live and work.

"It has been more than a decade since the last major improvements were made to Blundstone Arena and it is important that this picturesque ground continues to evolve to accommodate the needs of modern sport and the patrons that attend."

The $30 million project received planning approval from the Clarence City Council on Monday.

The State Government's commitment matches the Federal Government's $15 million grant and will allow the redevelopment to start after North Melbourne's second home game this year in May, subject to any late appeals.

Opposition Leader Will Hodgman said the Liberals supported the project but questioned the Government's priorities.

"The premier must explain how she can afford $15 million for a new grandstand when she can't afford to properly fund essential services like health and public safety," he said.

Read more in tomorrow's Mercury.

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Bailey skippers Aussie side

TASMANIAN George Bailey will captain Australia in his first home game after skipper Michael Clarke failed to overcome a sprained ankle.

There was no sign of Clarke during the warm up after he injured his ankle at training yesterday.

But it did not help with the toss today, with Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene winning and sending Australia into bat on a good looking Blundstone Arena pitch under perfect skies.

Allrounder Glenn Maxwell replaces Clarke in the Australian team, while Sri Lanka retains an unchanged side and leads the best of five series 2-1.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade has been named to open for Australia alongside David Warner, with Phil Hughes to bat at No.3.

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Sailor tells of 'miracle' rescue

THE French yachtsman rescued by an Australian ship from the Southern Ocean says it's a miracle he's been given a second chance at life.

Alain Delord spent three days in a life raft before being rescued by Antarctic cruise ship Orion on Sunday night about 500 nautical miles southeast of Tasmania.

His yacht, the Tchouk Tchouk Nougat, was dismasted and suffered hull damage in the Southern Ocean last week on its round-the-world voyage.

"It's a second chance at life," he told reporters through a translator after arriving in Hobart on board the Orion today.

"It's a miracle the Orion was on the way back."

"You always hope for the best."

Mr Delord said it had been more than three months since he had left home and his confidence in his vessel had grown.

"(I had) already travelled half-way across the world," he said through the translator.

"And then (I) hit bad weather with 60-70 knot winds and by then (I) was in the centre of the depression."

Delord described himself as "pretty lucky" to escape the ordeal with only a few bruises, scratches and swollen hands.

"When first contact happens you know someone's aware and you feel much better," Mr Delord said.

"You're hoping for life and for someone to come and rescue you."

He thanked his rescuers, saying "merci" several times.

"Thank you to the Australian maritime authorities and thank you to Orion," he said through the translator.

Orion's captain Mike Taylor said the ship had taken three days to reach Mr Delord once the alarm was raised with maritime safety authorities.

Once the ship arrived, rescue conditions were very difficult.

The crew had only 20 minutes of daylight to pull Delord from the water after reaching him at 9pm -- three hours later than Capt Taylor had hoped.

"Once we got there it was touch and go," Capt Taylor said.

"Visibility was very very bad."

"The problem with that, of course, is that the sun sets at 2120 (9.20pm) and although you've got a little bit of twilight you're really under the gun to effect the rescue while you've still got daylight.

"It's not the kind of thing you can do in the hours of darkness.

"My heart was really in my mouth."

The Orion arrived at Hobart's Macquarie Wharf just after 9am today. The ship's 100 passengers crowded the front deck as it docked in front of a small crowd and large media contingent.

Customs, immigration and French consular officials arrived soon after and boarded the vessel.

Mr Delord lost his personal belongings, including his passport, and new documents had to be organised before he could disembark.

He is expected to remain in Hobart tonight before travelling to Canberra to visit the French Embassy.

Read more in tomorrow's Mercury

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Dark cloud over Clarke

Tasmanian batsman George Bailey, who will lead the side in his first home game should Michael Clarke fail to play, spoke at the captain's pre-game press conference today. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

THE player Australia can least afford to lose -- captain Michael Clarke -- is in doubt for tomorrow's one-day game against Sri Lanka in Hobart.

Australia's plans were thrown into disarray after Clarke rolled his ankle at training this morning during a simple fielding drill and was carried from the ground.

Tasmanian batsman George Bailey, who will lead the side in his first home game should Clarke fail to play, spoke at the captain's pre-game press conference today while Clarke was off having scans.

"Obviously he'll be given right up to the toss tomorrow to prove he's right to go," Bailey said.

"Hopefully that scan will be clear and there will obviously be a little bit of pain. But if he's 100 per cent, he'll be right to play."

With no other specialist batsmen in the 13-man squad, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell may have to come into the team to replace Clarke if the captain is unable to take his place -- unless selectors decide to fly in another batsman, most likely Usman Khawaja.

"Once again, I'm not entirely sure yet. No doubt the selectors will sort all that out," Bailey said.

"Hopefully the scan comes back clear and best case scenario Pup still plays."

Australia's top-order batting has struggled in the past three 50-over games and can ill afford to lose its best batsman.

With Sunday's game in Sydney abandoned because of a wet outfield, Australia can only tie the series 2-2 with Sri Lanka with a win in Hobart tomorrow.

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Gas scare sparks evacuation

A SUSPECTED gas leak caused the evacuation of a shopping complex in Hobart's CBD this morning.

The strong smell of gas in the Wellington Centre, in Argyle St, was reported to authorities about 9.15am.

Tasmania Fire Service crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the building to determine the source of the smell after Woolworths customers and staff, as well as diners and shoppers on the ground level, were told to leave the building.

Staff and shoppers were allowed to return to the centre about 11.15am.

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Farewell for fallen firefighter

MOURNERS gathered in Victoria's east today to farewell firefighter Peter Cramer, who died while helping to tackle bushfires in Tasmania.

Mr Cramer, 61, was a Department of Sustainability and Environment firefighter and CFA volunteer from Tyers in Gippsland.

He was part of a contingent of more than 70 Victorian emergency services workers sent to Tasmania to help fight the state's devastating fires.

Mr Cramer died on January 13 near Taranna, in the state's south-east, while working on foot to identify potential containment lines on the southern boundary of the Forcett fire about 3km from the active fire edge.

Mourners filled the Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel in Traralgon for his farewell this afternoon.

Premier Ted Baillieu and senior representatives from the fire services were also expected to attend.

Family spokesman Richard Teychenne told reporters that Mr Cramer was a great bloke and a dedicated family man who was passionate about his work.

"He leaves a legacy of fire knowledge with a new generation of firefighters and a huge gap in the lives of those who knew him," Mr Teychenne said.

"His larrikin charm and his great sense of humour brought a smile to many faces, in good and in testing times.

"He died doing what he loved most -- working on fires, working in the bush and, most of all, helping others."

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Exciting field to contest Cup

TODAY'S Elwick meeting in Hobart is a must-attend event for punters, with eight small but select races on the card, including the $90,000 Betfair Hobart Guineas (2100m) and the $25,000 Betfair Summer Cup (2100m).

The Summer Cup has attracted nine starters, including last year's Hobart Cup winner Geegees Blackflash (Peter Mertens), Bendigo Cup winner from 2010 and 2011 Devonport Cup winner Dream Quest (Craig Newitt), exciting front-running stayer The Cleaner, and 2012 Launceston Cup winner Prevailing.

Throw into the mix the 2012 Mornington Cup winner Norsqui (Bulent Muhcu), recent Devonport Cup winner Fieldmaster (Michelle Payne) and capable stayers Catwen Boy (Shuji Amano), Royal Miswaki (Kim Moore) and stablemate Temajim (Anthony Darmanin), who was luckless in the Devonport Cup, and we have a race that has excitement written all over it.

Grand campaigner Norsqui has his eyes set on next month's Hobart Cup and heads into today's race having had one start back from a spell.

The Walter McShane-trained gelding will appreciate another run or two under his belt. However, he is certainly heading in the right direction, according to Brendan McShane.

"The 2100 metres is probably too short against this quality line-up, but dad [Walter] and I were pleased with his first-up effort," McShane said.

"He's tightened up since his last race almost three weeks ago and he is nearing his ideal race weight.

"History shows that he needs a few runs before he's spot-on, and he's likely to contest the Weight-For-Age Jockey Club Cup [2200m] at Elwick after this race, then on to the Hobart Cup."

McShane will saddle up Keep The Cash (Bulent Muhcu) in the Hobart Guineas and admits that this race will be a test for all horses.

"He's done extremely well since his last start in the Tasmanian Guineas [1600m] and looks very well," McShane said.

"This will be a good test to see if he can stay, and the same can be said for every horse in the race as they are all in the same boat. He does relax well in his races, which will help his cause."

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At last Daniels burns

FRONTRUNNER: Mitch Daniels, brother of 3000m champion Mel, on his way to victory in the 800m in Hobart yesterday. Picture: ANITA WELSH

AUSTRALIAN 3000m champion Mel Daniels has hit form at the right time of the season with an impressive run at the Domain over 3000m yesterday.

On a day that had many athletes competing at various venues around the country, Daniels was the standout on the track.

Daniels hasn't set the world on fire this season since running a half-marathon in Singapore in November, but yesterday's run of 9min 37.23 sec was her best of the season.

Her brother Mitch was also in winning form, frontrunning the 800m to victory in 1min 55.37sec, ahead of evergreen masters athlete Stephen Rae, who just dipped under 2min.

Making his debut over 400m was former national under-14 sprint champion Russell Taib.

Now under the guidance of coach Damian Lawler, the teenager was aiming to run 54 seconds, but in the end was outstanding with 51.09sec.

In the field, Eastern Suburbs thrower Rebecca Direen was the best performer. The softly spoken powerhouse threw the shot put 13.63m to easily surpass the national open qualifying mark and set a new personal best in the process.

Southern Saints thrower Anita Millington returned to the track, showing she still has what it takes to throw national qualifiers, by sending the 4kg hammer 44.61m. The competition was taken out by world junior representative Danni McConnell, who threw 53.80m.

Relays were conducted over 4 x 200m, with Eastern Suburbs winning the men's and Northern Suburbs taking out the women's.

In Sydney, at the Australian Youth Olympics Festival, Tasmania has won a medal of each colour on day one of the track and field competition.

It began in the men's 1500m with Hugh Nicklason winning gold, with a new meet record of 3min 54.11sec.

Nicklason finished one place ahead of Jonas Aranda by a full second, with Brazilian Weverton Fidelis third.

In the men's 100m Sandy Bay's Jesse Usoalii scorched home to secure the silver medal.

His time of 11.07sec wasn't the quickest in his career, but it was impressive into a 1.2m headwind and enough to place him in front of the best juniors from China, New Zealand and Brazil.

Continuing the medal winning form on the track was Ulverstone's Kale Adams.

After winning a national medal in Hobart last month, he now has an Olympic youth bronze medal after running 6min 14.90sec in the 2000m steeplechase.

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