IN IRELAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1920, Page 2

IN IRELAND.

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS. - limited Service telegrams) ißeceived This Day at 8 a.m.) ■- LONDON, July 20. The “Daily Mail” Dublin correspond dent reports there are persistent rumours of political developments in Ireland. It is reported the Sinn Feins and Downing Street are discussing tlie_ basis of a settlement. Important statements are expected during the Irish debate in tile Commons on the 22nd. ft is significant that the fiery* “Freeman’s Journal” preaches patience and restraint as victory is now sighted. MURDER AND PILLAGE. MURDER OF CONSTABLES. FOLLOWED BY POLICE RIOT. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 21. Two constables motoring through Tuam from the Galway Assizes, discovered the road blocked with trees. Both alighted, and immediately were shot dead.

Two other constables, in a rear car, used their firearms against the ambushed party of fifty men, until their ammunition was exhausted. . They were eventually overpowered and blindfolded. When the news of the outrage spread, wild scenes occurred. Reports state the police and military completely' sacked Tuam, fired shots into houses, and shops were set on fire, demolished business premises, gutted the town hall. Rifle fire and the explosion of hand grenades and bombs terrified the inhabitants, none of whom were injured. LONDON, July 20. Sinn Fein murders of police total fiftytwo since the new year. Wlioii the bodies of the Tuam constables were brought into the barracks rolled in white sheets, the enraged constables apparently determined to give the Sinn Feiners the fright of their lives. The town was awakened at five o’clock, with volleys of rifle shots and grpnade explosion, fifty to one hundred police running amok in the streets crying: “ Where are the. damned Sinn Feiners.” They dragged'"youths from their beds threatening to kill them, as they had killed their comrades. Shots , were fired above their heads. The i houses of prominent Sinn Feiners were burnt, also the Town Hall, where tlie Sinn Fein court was held. Women and children, terrified, huddled in their hqck gardens reciting the rosary. r Police officers in Tuam assert the men only got out of hand when the townsfolk began to fire up op them, ( STRIKE ON BEHALF OF LARKIN. (Received this day, at 9-30 a.m.) DUBLIN, July 20. Tlie Trades Council has ordered a.general strike in forty-eight hours frpm to-night in support of the demand for j Larkin's release from imprisonment if j the United States transport wqrkpr!? fUfuse to participate. ' .. 1 (Larkin was recently sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in United States on a charge"of criminal anarchy.)