TELEGRAM.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1922, Page 3

TELEGRAM.

[by telrohavh—per tress association]

PROSECUTION OF DR. LISTON.

MAY BE DROPPED

WELLINGTON, April 7

There were many rumours current in the city today, that, following upon Bishop' Listen’s letter to the Prim e Minister, the proceedings in any prosecution. Such power is used only on very rare occasions, and when there are special circumstances. For example. it would be used if the information upon which the charge is based is found to be incorrect in essential particulars, so that even if the case went for trial, there would he no likelihood of a conviction being obtained.

SET DOWN FOR THURSDAY.

AUCKLAND, April 8

Doctor Liston was served yesterday afternoon with a summons to answer charges arising out of his St Patrick’s Day address. The c«se will he heard on Thurday.

FEELING IN IRELAND

MR HALL-SKELTON INTERVIEWED

AUCKLAND, April 7

Mr Hall-Skelton, one of the four New Zealand delegates to the recent Irish Race Convention at Paris, has arrived hack in Auckland. Mr Hall-Skelton arrived to-day by the liner Niagara from the United States. In an interview Mr Hall-Skelton said that 90 per cent of the people in Ireland are in favour of the Irish Free State, as outlined in the treaty with England. This is Mr Hall-Skelton’s conviction. Mr Hall-Skelton further says that Mr De Valera lias nothing of a following to speak of, and does not represent Irish sentiment concerning the new state of things which has been created at Home. The great body of Irish opinion, he states, is quite opposed to the idea, of a Republic.

Mr Hall-Skelton said lie was under the necessity at the Irish Race Congress of making it very plain to Mr Do Valera that the Irish in the colonies were not to be dragged into anything that would disintegrate the Empire. Even in the North of Ireland, Mr I iall-Skelton found the idea of a United Ireland to be very firm, and lie was strongly of tho opinion that, when the extremists of both sides bad passed out of the picture, Ireland would then settle down into a prosperous and a united Free State ; and this, be believed would result within 12 mouths. Mr Hall-Skelton said lie lad chalk aged Mr De Valera to put the matter to a vote of Ireland’s people, but Mr De Valera know too well what would be the i < -nit of su*h a plebiscite.

Asked what would he the fate of Mr Pi. Valera, Mr Ual!-Sk*'lteii said the p; 1 icy of people who repr.'scuicd true Irish feeling was to let him have as much rope as he wanted, and when the American money was done, lie would cease to be a factor in the controversy.

NO ( 70VF.RNM ENT 0 UAR ANTEE

WELLINGTON, April 8 Replying to a deputation from Rower Hoard who wanted Government assistance in raising loans, Air Massey assistance to raising loans. Air Massey definitely stated, that Government would not guarantee any more local loans. London brokers had told him it would ruin the credit of the Dominion and make Government pay a higher rate of interest.