THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1922, Page 1

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

AUSTRALIAN AND H.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. FREE STATERS’ ACTION. LONDON, May 2. The Irish rebel troops continue to hold up hanks, seize buildings, and cut railways in all parts of southern Ireland. People are reported to be becoming panic-stricken, not knowing where trouble will break out next. Tlie latest hank raids include Cliarleville branch of the Bank of Ireland, where £9,000 was stolen, Tuam branch £7,000, and Boyle branch £6,000. Events are reported to be moving oo a crisis in Kilkenny, where the buildings which the rebels have occupied include the Protestant Cathedral of Kilkenny. Southern Protestants angrily denounce tho helplessness of the Provisional Government in the face oi this gross outrage in seizing the Cathedral.

The Free State troops in Kilkenny district, however, are not willing to leave the rebels unmolested, and in Kilkenny city a small force of ProTreaty troops, under Colonel Trout, have occupied the military barracks and the gaol. An exchange of shots has already occurred, and the Free Staters have captured two rebel posts, with 18 prisoners. Tlie rebels are now attempting to recapture the prison.

Tho Free Staters’ troops are successful at Galway and at Mulingar and at other centres. Their success was due to the adoption of uncompromising methods. In each case the rebels were given ton minutes to clear out of the towns. The rebels’ opposition immediately collapsed. Tho whole business port of Dublin is paralysed, owing to a seizure of the dock oflices and tho fact that the rebels are using books for fortifications. The Irregulars iii Dublin have also seized and bnrracaded premises conmnnding another important LifFey bridge. MURDER OF MISS GATES. LONDON, May 3. The second hearing of tho charge against Ronald True, formerly a flying officer, for murdering Miss Gertrude Gates in a fashionable flat at Fulham and'- stealing her jewellery has begun. Evidence was given that accused was remarkable for his eccentricities, including a project to form a “ Uobanob ’ Club, of which the members undertood .to murder their motli-er-in-ljuv ,and other superfluous persons, for Is each. He also discussed a “Duds” Club for those who were unsuccessful in murdering their aunts. . It was stated that when True was aged four, be buried bis pet rabbits, leaving the beads visible, because, be wanted to seo them, daily-, until they starved. When lid was six-, lie subjected bis own; pony to every conceivable cruelty. He was always different to other children. When True was 11, it was claimed, bis mother became dangerously ill. Ho merely remarked: — “If she dies her property will be mine! ” He suffered a bad flying accident-, after which he contracted tho ; morphia habit. His wife testified that her husband’s stories of heroic exploits were proved to be imaginary .