CABLE NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1922, Page 2

CABLE NEWS

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ABSOOi..fION. A PRESS VIEW. LONDON, June 6. The London “Daily Chronicle’s" Dublin correspondent states: Tuesday will be nomination day for the electiclSPfor the Irish Constituent. Assembly. The correspondent goes on to declare i “If there is! a fi‘ee election, it is ref' tain that nine-tenths of the country would vote pro-treaty and that Mr De Valera and the intransigent 'Repul i•cans will be obliterated. It is to be a grossly jerrymandered election. Ihe De Vale'raites are assured of strength. It will he grotesquely disproportionate to their real influence in the country. In short, Ireland is saddled with an armed force which acts as a sort or Pfea-torian Guard. The fate of the country lies in the hands of half-a-doz-en fanatic army chiefs. From humane motives, Mr Collins chose a path of compromise little realising, for he is so youno and inexperienced in politics into what entanglements it might lead him. However, the Independent candidates are coming forward on behalf o Labour, the Farmers; Umons and the Ratepayers’ Associations. Seyentee independents are contesting the 28 large constituencies into which Southern Ireland is divided under proportional representation., Many othei candidates would come forward but silent terrorism is being exercised li \ saving cisiuso is that the Pact savs: “If the Coalition disagrees here shall he another general election on manhood suffrage. The Coalition 's fairlv certain to disagree, so the Irish electorate may yet be permitted , speak.* *

HAPPENINGS NEAR PETTIGO. LONDON; June 6. HnniskilHen reports many thousands „f Sinn Fe inert with armoured cars, •u*e manning bn the border, to I‘einforce the rrarrison at Belleek. Military now hold Free State territory to a depth of a mile, north of Pettigo. It is ascertained that Upwards of forty Republicans were lulled by shell fire'during Sunday’s battle. Collins takes a most serious view of tiie aggression of British troops, demanding a fuHl enquiry, afld is not goi„o- to London unless specially ashed. There was a heavy outburst of bring in Belfast during the morning. A bullet smashed the window of the mater nit-v hospital and the patients yere compelled to lie on the floor. Many became hysterical, but none were injured* ■ A warehouse was set oil oy an iiiceiidiary bomb, and exterisuely damaged.