THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

VI'STItAI.IAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. GOVERNMENT IN IRELAND. DUBLIN, June 27. The Irish Provisional Government has now issued a statement as follows: At the close of the general election, the will of the people of Ireland was ascertained, Further grave acts against the security of persons and of property have been committed in Dublin find in other parts of Ireland, by persons who are pretending to det with authority. It is the duty of the Government to which the people have entrusted their defence, and the conduct of their affairs, to protect and secure all law respecting citizens, without distinction. That duty the Government will resolutely perform.

The Free State Provisional Government’s statement continues:—Outrages against the nation and the Government must cease at once, and for ever. For months, all classes of business had suffered severely through a feeling of insecurity, engendered by reckless, wicked nets which had tarnished the reputation of Ireland ahro.ad. The Government were determined that the country shall no longer lie held up from the pursuit of its normal life and from the establishment of its free national institutions. The Government therefore calls noon citizens to cooperate actively with it in the measures which the Government is taking to ensure nuhlic safety and to secure Ireland for the Ti-wli people.

Mr Collins niintmnccs that he is reserving his .remarks on Mr Churchill’s recent s.neech until the assembly of tlie new Dail F.irennn.

FTGHT FOP FOUR COURTS. T ONDON. June 28

Tlie garrison, of whom there are three hundred, are building a natural stronghold, elaborately sand-bagged, wired and barricaded with law books. All approaches arc covered by loopholes rml by machine, guns placed on the roof.

It is not believed. the Free State regulars will directlv assault the position. but will tender buildings untenable by cutting off the water. The authorities are embarrassed by the fact that the Four Courts contain the national records.

The mutineers possess high explosives, and it would not he difficult for them to destroy surrounding buildings. Afetlsres against the Four Courts would inevitably provoke trouble in the Provinces where the main strength of the Republicans lies. The Government’s task, therefore, is not ail easy one. Since dawn a fierce battle has been l-ißrihg in Dublin between Dail troops itmi Irregulars for jiosfcessiofi rif the Four C’ourts: , Many casualties arc rej>o.rted, Armored cars, tieneh mortars, and machine guns arc in action.

The Irish Provisional Government, is heeding Mr Churchill’s warning as regards the rebel occupation of the Four Courts.

WELSH MINERS AND IRELAND LONDON, June 27.

Mr Stanton. M.l’.. is a supporter of a trades union measure designed to prevent union funds being used for rfther thall trade purposes. He informed the “Daily Express’’ that he had personally seen the balance sheet of a Welsh (Miners’ Uni oil lodged which disclosed a money vote to n “Dublin Ktunii arms organisation,”