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Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1919, Page 2

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LLOYD GEORGE’S PROPOSALS. TWO SEPARATE PARLIAMENTS. 'By Electric Telegraph— Cop., ight.) 1 AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION'] & It CUTER.] ‘ (Received This Day a* 8.43 a.m.) LONDON, December 22. Elaliorate precautions were taken to prevent a Sinn Fein demonstration in the Commons when Hon. Lloyd George outlined the eagerly awaited Irish proposals. Strong guards were posted. The Nationalists were absent at the outset. The Premier emphasised his part was as difficult as ever confronted a Minister, especially after the discreditable outrage op Friday. The atmosphere was charged with a wppk of attempted assassinations and was not favourable to the promotion pf a measure of reconciliation, but Parliament should not. be swept away by indignation. The Premier paid an eloquent tribute to Lord French and expressed appreciation for the heads of the Catholic Church, who lost no time in denouncing the outrage. He stressed the fact that no proposals accessable to British opinion, stood any chance of acceptance in the present position of Irish affairs.

Government's plan was based on the recognition of three fundamental facts:—* First—The possibility of severing Ireland from United 1 Kingdom. Second, —The opposition of National,, ist Ireland t<j British r u i e 1“ Ireland despite the fact that Ireland was payer so prosperous. Third—The opposition of the Norths west to Irish rule. Subject to these three conditions Government proposed that self-govern-ment be conferred on the whole of Ireland, through the establishment of two legislatures, one whereof *to be the Parliament Southern Ireland, and the other the Parliament of nor* them Ireland

DETAILS OF PROPOSAL. (Received this day at 10. Id a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 21. Hon. Lloyd George said four alternative proposals had been discussed regarding the areas; firstly that Ulster form one unit, and the other three provinces the other unit. Secondly,—County optionThirdly*—That, six' north-eastern counties form one unit. All these proposals contained objections regarding the division of population. Fourth—A suggestion was to ascertain a homogenous north eastern section and constitute it a separate area eliminating, where practicable, fhe Catholic communities, whilst including Protestant communities in coterminous counties, in order to produce an area as homogenous as possibsle under the circumstance^

It was further proposed to constitute representatives of both Legislatives serving as a link between the two sections of liyhn,d, whereby a joint administration of the common services could be aranged. Irish legislatures would bavp coniplpte discretion regarding the powers conferred on the Council and service to be jointly opntroljpd, The Irish legislatures ypuld a|so havp fujl cbnstit-

uept ppwprs without further reference to the Imperial Paj-|jajpent, fo create a single Irish Legislature, jf both sections desired. It would thus rest with til© Irish people themselves to determine whether they wanted union. As a great l er inducement, additional taxing powers I would be handed over to the Irish Parliament as soon as unity was aecoini lislied and representation at Westmin- • ster would be reduced to forty. Certain powers to be reserved to the Imperial Crown, including peace or war, foreign affairs, army and navy defence, treason, ! trade outside Ireland and navigation in--1 eluding merchant shipping, wjreJcss and cables, coinage, trade marks, lighthouse and also higher judiciary. Pending an agreement of the two legislatures regarding the method of appointments, the powers of the Irish Parliament would lie most considerable. Thpy wpujd have full control of education, local government ,land, agriculture, roads and bridges and transportation, including rail? ways and canids, old ago pensions, in? ,* surance, municipal affairs, local Judiciary, hospitals, labour legislation, licensing ,a!l machinery for Die maintenance of law and order except the higher judiciary, army and navy.