IN IRELAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1920, Page 2

IN IRELAND.

[by TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION] AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. AN AMBUSH. LONDON, Dec. 21. It is reported that rebels killed 10 to 15 soldiers and eight police at Mullanahowan in a fight. One lorry got through and sent a message for reinforcements. These were ambushetL They dismounted and a fierce fight resulted. Suddenly a dozen Black and Tans in. another lorry dashed in amidst those firing, tore through in a lull of bullets and took cover. Simultaneously additional reinforcements from another direction were ambushed and a heavy encounter followed. STATEMENT IN COMMONS. LONDON, Deo 21. The Chief Secretary for Ireland (Sir Hamar Greenwood) made a statement relative to the deaths occurring during the martial law period in Ireland. He said that since the proclamation of martial law, twenty civilians have been killed, of whom eleven have been killed in an ambush. Three persons were murdered by persons unknown. Four people were shot dead in attempting to escape. Two were shot dead for refusing to halt when challenged. He said that, except for three, who were murdered by other civilians, the whole of these were killed by Sinn Feiners attack ing Crown Forces or evading arrest.

Sir Hamar Greenwood staed that it was practice to carry Sinn Fein leaders with Crown Forces in their motor lorries. This admission caused a Nationalist uproar. Commander Kenworthy asked:—Did the British admiralty refuse to agree to the policy of carrying German pri-' soners’ aboard the British hospital ships?” , He added: —“ls it possible for the Government to sink to lower methods?” -- THE OFFICIAL STORY. LONDON, Dec 22. The official report states:—The details of the Tipperary fighting continue of the scantiest. Unofficial details aro given stating the fight consisted of three ambushes. Some of the military, escaping from the first, summoned reinforcements, and these were also way laid in two directions. The military acted with great vigour. They speedily dispersed the . assailants. Later reports state the Crown Forces lost only one killed. THE REPRISAL POLICY. LONDON, Dec 22. It is reported that Major-General Tudor, who is commanding the Auxiliary Forces in Ireland ; lias commenced an indefinite period of leave.. This is be cause of the Government’s attitude towards the reprisals,'.he considering it renders the discharge of his duties difficult. .

FATAL SHOOTINGS IN CORK. . LONDON, Dec 21. A daring, hut unsuccessful, attempt is reported to raid the Cork General Post „ Office. Armed, masked men entered $ and rounded up the staff, and shutting the doors, secured the keys at the revol- - ver’s point. But two police were doing duty in the parcels' office, and they interfered. A raider wounded ono who replied by killing a raider. e Two civilians were wounded.