IRELAND AID HOME ROLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1917, Page 1

IRELAND AID HOME ROLE.

PRISONERS TO BE released. London, June 15 In the House of Commons Mr Bonar Law said that the Government, after long, and careful consideration had decided upon amnesty. The governing consideration was the approaching Convention in which lie hoped that Irishmen would settle the difficult problem of the future administration ol their country. This great experiment marked the new relations of Ireland with the United Kingdom and the Empire and it was very desirable that it should assemble in atmosphere of goodwill. Ihe Government, therefore, had decided to remove one cause by which serious misunderstanding had been inspired. He had a sanguine hope that the action would be welcomed in the spirit in which it was made and would constitute a good augury for the much desired reconciliation. Mr J. Devlin expressed his gratitude, but said that the Government would have been better advised if it had come to a decision earlier. The Government would even have avoided much oi the irritation. Rt Hoii H. L. Samuel said that the Government had taken a wise decision which would be regarded as an earnest ol the Government s desire to end the long period of quarrel between the two peoples. Mr G. J. Wardle said that the past would be forgotten, The House then adjourned.