THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

DUBLIN CASTLE HANDED OVER. ENGLISH TROOPS WITHDRAW. ' REUTER’S TELEGRAMS. LONDON, The Departments of Dublin Caatle have been formally: handed over to the Provisional Government by Lord Fitzalan on behalf of the King in the Privy Council to-day.) . Excited crowds, numbering thousands assembled to witness the outward Bign of what they termed “the fall’ of the Cattle.” They beguiled the tedium of waiting for the arrival of Ministers 9 by watching the mounting of the guards for the last time Then the crowd burst isxto frantic cheers. When the Ministers drove up m cars they entered the Castle, led by Michael . Collins. An historic scene was enacted , within when Collins handed Lord Fitz- : alan a copy of the Treaty bearing the . signatures of himself and his col- > leagues. , T • u _ Lord Fitzalan informed the Irish re- . presentatives that they were duly inr stalled, and wished them every success, i He earnestly hoped that the ideal of a happy, free, and prosperous Ireland would be attained under their auspices. 1 The authorities are hastening the re--1 moval of 'the troops. It is officially an--1 nounced that ten infantry battalions 3 ' are leaving immediately ,and they will

he followed by others as rapidly aa possible. BRITISH OFFICIAL 'VERSION. LONDON. January 10. The British Publicity Department at Dublin Castle has issued a statement pointing out that in the Council Chamber of the Castle, the Lord Lieutenant received Mr Michael Collins as head of the Irish Provisional Government. Mr Collins handed him a copy of the _ Treaty. The other members of the Irish Government were then introduced to the Lord Lieutenant who congratulated Mr Collins and his colleagues. He informed them that they were now duly installed as the Provisional Government of Ireland, and that m conformity with the Treaty, he would fortwith communicate with the British Government- all the powers and machinery requisite for the discharge of , its duties. The Viceroy Chen wished them' every / success in the task which they had |; undertaken, and expressed an earnest !j. hope that under their auspices, the “ : ideal of a happy, free and prosperous Ireland be attained. C t KING’S CONGRATULATIONS. 1 I LONDON, January 16. t j The King has telegraphed to the Viceroy of Ireland as follows:—“I am gratified to hear of the successful establishment of the Provisional Government J of Ireland. I am confident that you will do all in your power to help its members to accomplish the tasks lying before them.” v ’ IRISH DEPARTMENTS TO ? t | CARRY ON. if ■. ■ :1 LONDON, January 16^ 0 The Irish Provisional Government has II issued a. proclamation, directing the t Law Courts and State Departments s of Ireland to carry on their functions, s pending the constitution of the Free ■ State Parliament.

The proclamation prohibits any alteration in the personnel or salaries of the Civil Service, or the destruction of any documents.

JOB FOR BLACK' AND TANS. LONDON, January 16. It is understood that the British Government is considering the practicability of employing 700 officers and men of the Blade and Tans in police duties in Palestine. The idea is attributed to Churchill. ANIMATED SCENES. LONDON, January 16. There were animated scenes at Dublin Castle and in the adjoining streets during the ceremony of transferring the powers of Dublin Castle. The members of the Provisional Irish Government, together w|ith the Lord Lieutenant and heads of the Government, met at the Mansion House in the afternoon. The proceedings lasted an hour. After the departure of the permanent officials, Mr Collins and the other Ministers left the Chamber 'and drove off. They were cheered by the crowds. The Lord-Lieutenant also .received an ovation.

The evacuation of the South of Ire-> land is commencing immediately. , Two Irish Ministers, Messrs Duggan and Higgins, are coming to London tomorrow, to confer with the British Cabinet Committee to arrange the details of the hahding over.