THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

fuV TELEQItAFH—PEU PUEBS ASSOCIATIONJ

IRISH AFFAIRS

DISCUSSED IN THE COAIAIONS

LONDON, Eel). 24. Hon W. Churchill, in Supply on the Supplementary vote of £1,130,000 in aid of Miscellaneous Services administered by the Provisional Government, said before the war on the whole, the balance af between Great Britain and Ireland was in favour ef Ireland, but through revolutions Hrour taxation following the war, Ireland has become a substantial contributor to United Kingdom revenue. Ireland would be the loser by the Free State agreement Rill. During the fighting in. Ireland, a great deal of injury wits done to persons and property in South Ireland, and a fund was formed from which, the proceeds were to meet these claims. In a discussion, the Irish Minister pointed out local authorities had been deprived of revenue on which they counted, leading to a neglect of the servics dependent on such revenue, and strongly pressed that revenue should be placed at their disposal to help dea] with the economic situation, and help the local government to resume its normal functions. Government felt, however justifiable the interception of this revenue wa, as a war measure, that local authority funds were not a proper source to defray injuries to persons and property. The Chahcelldr of the Exchequer also promised Craig that he would seek'atr-r" thority to pay the Northern Government in respect to similar losses ftus* tained prior to January 14th of this year, amounting to a million and a half. Government would create a Commission of three members representing the Imperial and Northern and Southern Ireland, with an independent judicial chairman. The commission would fix the responsibility for damage and each government would bear the financial cost of its own casualties. Sir Ha mar Greenwood, replying to members’ queries, c°uld not say whether Sir G; Strickland’s report would be available to the Commission. Replying to a question whether the Government were justified in with-hdd-ing rnoiiey nftfil the Provisional Gov- _ ernnient could carry on, said they were not justified in saying the Goverflfflefit t could not carry on. The' Provisional Government were without funds; He agreed to hand over the sum mentioned ' in the estimates for local Irish purposes.

ULSTER ACTIONS. : LONDON, Feh. 25 It is reported that rival factions in. Lister are embarking, on new strife, particularly in Armagh and Tyrone count ies. tvhe; _> poke.' patrols - were attacked hv wandering bands, who used bombs. It is no.v proposed to organise special Catholic police for the Catholic districts in Ulster, the Northern Government having agreed I tp enrol a limited number of Sinn Fein noii-Repubileail soldiers at police - ULSTER STATEMENT, (Received This Day at 81 a.ffi.j \ LONDON, Feh. 25. Ulster Government announces it enhnot proceed with the Clones inquiry, until Republicans release the special constables they then captured, as the specials are essential witnesses. EVACUATION OF SOUTHERN IRELAND. '< fßeceived This Dnv at 8 a *n.) LONDON; Feb. 25. A Cork report States the British evacuation of Southern Ireland recommences on Monday.