THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 April 1922, Page 3

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, April 27. Late last night armed men visited Dunmamvay, West Cork. Much rifle revolver firing occurred. Later three prominent citizens were found shot dead.

WHO IS TO BLAME. LONDON, April 27

Irregulars occupying Four Courts, Dublin, have issued a statement that Free State forces undoubtedly were the aggressors at Mullingar, where each side bad one killed and two wounded. They added that, it was unfortunate lives should be lost in such useless adventure. Free State reinforcements are expected at Mullingar.

IRISH DISCLOSURE.

STATEMENT BY GRIFFITHS.

DENIAL BY DE VALERA

LONDON, April 27. Sensational disclosures were made at the Dail Eireann meeting to-day. Mr de Valera made a violent speech denouncing the Free State Government, as the sole pause of the present state of affairs. ] Mr Griffith cried—‘’l am not going to lie silent any longer. A deputy came back from America when I was in prison and advised members of the L Eireann to ease off the war. When the delegates were going to London, Mr de Valera said to me—“ Neither you nor any man can bring back a Republic.” He added : Get me out of this strait jacket of a Republic.” Mr de Valera white with rage, rose amid a tumult, shouting—“lt is an absolute falsehood.” Mr Griffiths’ replied—“lt is true. Mr de Valera can go on denying it as long as he likes.”

BELFAST JUDGES SENTENCES. LONDON, April 27. The Belfast judges have inaugurated system of dealing severely with riot-

ers. Frederick Lemon, who was convicted on charges of several hold-ups, was sentenced to three years and also 15 lashes of the cat. The prisoner shouted “thank you!” James Flynn was sentenced to 18 months for being in posession of arms. He then turned to a policeman who had given the evidence against him, and shouted:—“l may live to come out. That man won’t he alive to see me!”

The judge immediately doubled his sentence to three years. Three other men were sentenced to from three to five years for being in possession of explosives.

CORK IGNORING ELECTIONS. LONDON. April 27. Cork County Council has decided t<> fix no polling stations for H e forthcoming elections. LONDON. April 2N The Dunman Way victims include a solicitor, aged 82, and a draper, aged B,‘L All are Protestants.

FIGHT AT MULLINGAR

LONDON, April 27

Aii official Dublin message states:— Three unarmed Five State soldiers from Mullingar Barracks were arrested by some mutinous troops at a barber’s shop, and three others in the street. Tbe Free State’s troops therefore surrounded the barracks of tUo rebels and sent them an ultimatum demanding the men’s release, failing which tbe barracks would be stormed. Captain Casey, who was sent with the message, was shot from a window of tbe barracks. , Fighting then commenced, during which the driver of a rebel motor lorry was shot, and 25 men in the lorry were captured. At a second attempt, a messenger took a message to tbe rebels, who tb.on agreed to hand over six prisoners in exchange for six or their own men. It was then found that three of tbe Free State men were wounded.

The Fr c Sliders captured much ammunition and rifles.

SPEECH BY GRIFFITHS. I OXDOX. April 27

In tbe Dai I Eiieaim, replying to interrupters, Mr Arthur Griffith (bree State President) retorted: “I am not going to be intimidated by any gunmen here.” Mr Griffith continued:— “Mr Do Valera told me that there illicit Live to lie scapegoats. I and Mr Collins are quite willing to be tbe scapegoats, if it is lor the good of Ireland.”

Mr Griffith then accused Mr Erskinc Childers of having been in the secret service of England. When Mr Childers indignantly denied tl;is, Mr Griffith said that liq would give out Air Childer’s whole history. M r Griffiths corn-hided: “You may assassinate us, but you won’t intimidate us!”

IRISH EX-POLICEMEN. WELLINGTON, April 28,

Cable messages on Saturday stated that Queensland ami New South Wales had declined Mr Lloyd George’s pioposul that they should absorb members of the Royal Irish Constabulary. Inquiries made here resulted in the information that no similar offer of recruits had yet boon received hv tin New Zealand Government. It was seated, however, that it was improbable that such a proposal would he accepted, as local ro'Tiiitir.g fur the force is quite brisk, and sufficient men, of good calibre, are offering t! eir setvices.

five residents shot. (Received This Day .4 8 .‘lO n.m ■ LONDON, April 28. There lias been a further terrible* shooting of prominent residents in West Cork district. Five more wore shot dead in their homes this morning.