THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1922, Page 3

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

AUSTRALIAN Anl> N.Z. CABLE ASSOC.-/lON

EXCITEMENT IN DUBLIN

(Received this day at 8.30 a.in.) LONDON, June 28

Free State troops have sent an ultimatum to those occupying Four Court giving a time limit of an hour. Eighteen pounders have been placed in position. Free Staters occupy all the surrounding buildings. The military took control of telegraphs and telephones in South Ireland early this morning. There was intense excitement when a thousand Free Stators troops attacked Four Courts and FowJer Memorial Homo. Irregulars, expecting an attack, had dug trenches across the quays. Ambulances are dashing in all directions. The neighbourhood is cut off and civilians are not permitted to enter the cordon.

further particualrs. (Received this day at 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, June 28

The fight at Four Courts was raging throughout the morning. A fire broke out in Fowler Hall shortly afternoon. Snipers were firing from the roofs, but it is difficult to ascertain to which side they belong. Hundreds of specta. tors line the quays and streets adjacent to the affected area and business is suspended. Passengers arriving by trains are carefully searched by troops at various termini. The besieged fire is slackening. Possibly they are conserving their ammunition. Fourteen casualties are reported among the Free Staters in the attackon Fowler Hail. Humours are current that O’Connor was wounded. It is reported some trouble occurred with a number of Free Staters, who refused to fire on their brother Irishmen. These were placed under arrest. Rebels seized Barry’s hotel an<l the Women’s Trade Union Club, Orange Hall. Regulars invested both places. The fire brigade did excellent - work when Fowler Hall caught fire and managed to quell the outbreak.

Free State reinforcements are arriving in the city steadily. During the fighting, a forco of British troops in full kit passed through the city unconcernedly on their way to their camp at Phoenix Park.

PROGRESS OK ATTACK. (Received this day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 2.8

The attack opened at four in the morning. The din of firing awakened • the populace. Thousands, risking the dying bullets, hastened to occupy vantage points to watch the fight. The first victim afriong the Government ’ troops was Private Long, who was shot in Chancery Street. One onlooker, a woman, was also killed by a stray bullet, The intensity of the tiring varied during the early hours, but increased in violence at nine o’clock. Bed Cross ambulances are stationed near the Castle gates, in readiness for their grim work. The rattle of fire from machine guns is occasionally punctuated by the heavy concussion of high explosives. Free State troops at the outset were about eight hundred strong. They are using at least one twelve pounder mounted on an armoured 'cur. General Ennis is commander of, the investing forces.

STATEMENT IN COMMONS. (Received this day at 9.50 a.m.)

LONDON, June 28. Hon W. Churchill, in the Gammons, said the Provisional Government was

solely responsible for the operations iioyv proceeding in Dublin. They had declined all assistance from Imperial forces, except so far as equipment was concerned. There was no trustworthy infornintion in regard to casualties and no definite result had yet lieen achieved. Heavy- fighting yvas progressing. LONDON. June 28. Tlie Four Courts fight continues. Fowler Hall yvas afire at noon. IRREGULARS IN DUBLIN. (Received this day at 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, June 27. Irregulars took possession of a Belfast firm’s garage in Dublin, and commandeered fourteen motor ears, which were driven and damaged. Free State ’troops in armoured cars surrounded the garage demanded the surrender of the irregulars and the return of the cars before six o’clock. The door was opened a few minutes before six, and the Free Staters marched inT