LATE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1917, Page 1

LATE NEWS.

,¥EB PBJEB9 ASSOCIA2ION.—COPTBZGOTj. THE IRISH QUESTION. Sir J G Ward’s Views. LONDON, March 22. Speaking at the National Liberal Club, Sir Joseph Ward referred to tho Irish question, and quoted Mr Bonav •Law’s statement in the House of Commons on March loth that if a new method could be found of healing this old sore it would be one of the beet tilings for the Empire. 'Sir Joseph Ward declared that m the interests, not of the Empire alone, but of tho world’s civilisation, this question called for a prompt settlement.

' It was a running and dangerous sore at the heart of the Empire, and extended to countries far beyond, and it should be healed without delay. He was convinced that an effective and lasting settlement could Iks made, and no effort should be spared to nrm& the parties together to establish am Irish Parliament with full local autonomy. Such a course is essential to more closely unify the Empire, and to help to-win the war.

LONDON, March 22,

Air. Ronald 3LacNeill 31. P. said that Dominion statesmen. are already deeply committed to Home Rule by their Parliament’s resolutions! and they could n#t approach the problem impartiality.

Sir Hamar Greenwood said it would be an acknowledgement of incapacity to ask the Dominion statesmen to shoulder the responsibility.