IN IRELAND

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1920, Page 2

IN IRELAND

I‘‘kkuteb'b” lELKOBAM.j HOME RULE BILL. LONDON, Nov. 9. The Government’s Irish Government Bill has been amended in a way suggesting the Government anticipate its ineffectiveness. An important Hew clause has been added to the Bill. It iB frankly admitted the amendment is in order to prevent either the North or the South of Ireland making the scheme a farce. k The Bill now provides that if the num ' her of members’ returned for the North- . ern or the Southern House, or the num. her of members taking the Oath of Allegiance is less than half of the number designed to compose such House, then the. Crown may dissolve the House or may transfer the powers to the Viceroy of Ireland as at present, he to be assisted by a Committee to be nominated by the Crown. Mr Asquith said: “The contingency that is contemplated by this amendment would certainly arise in Southern Ireland, which, would then be reduced to the status of a mere Crown Colony.” Sir E. Carson said he did not oppose the clause. He said it would be better to give the South of Ireland a choice simply between the present system of Irish Government or a new Parliament. Mr Bonar Law declared: “I(a no good our beating about the bush. The only alternative to this restriction is to tell the South of Ireland it could have everything it seeks or likes. Mr Mac Kean stated: ‘ ‘This clause is a plain admission that the Bill is already dead. The clause was carried by 137 votes to 11. HUNTING IRISH VOLUNTEERS. LONDON, Nov. 9. Latest reports from Ireland show that —— a force of several hundred soldiers with full war kit, have been scouring the hills near Kealkill for a reported force of Irish Republican troops. ' An aeroplane assisted in the search which was fruitless. It is stated the Republicans had apparently been warned.