THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 August 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

WSTItAI.IAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. 1 DEATH OK ARTHUR GRIFFITHS. ] LONDON, Aug. 12. ] ’Hie death is r. iic.imced u! Mr Arthur Griffiths, the President oi the Irish Free State Provisional Government. His demise took place suddenly in Dublin. The cause of death was heart ; trouble. I LLOYD GEORGE’S TRIBUTE. | LONDON, Aug. 12. j Consequent on the death of Arthur Griffiths, lion Lloyd George telegraphed to Mr Michael Collins, stating:— “ 1 am deeply distressed to learn of 1 Griffiths’ death. My admiration for Ilia single-minded patriotism, ability, sincerity and courage, has grown steadily since first we met, less than a year ago. His character has made a deep impression on the, British Ministers who shared with him those unremitting labours in which he was called upon to plaf so testing and difficult a part. His loss is a heavy one for Ireland. 1 trust that his work will continue to complete suecess.” I Hon. Lloyd George has also telegraphed to Mrs Griffiths, widow of the! do:cased statesman ,iu similar terms, adding:—"l am certain Ireland will al--1 ways reverence his memory as one of her most loyal, gifted, and courageous sons.” CAPTURE OF CORK CITY. LONDON. Aug. 12. The Free Staters have captured Cork city. Some of the chief buildings were found burning. An official statement s:—“ The residents of Cork gave the National troops a tremendous reception. Th; retreating Irregulars have burned six barracks, and three bridges. Six Irregulars were killtid and 20 injured. A later official message states that the Nationalists took 50 prisoners at Cork. Seven of the Nationalists were killed, and many were wounded. LONDON PRESS REPORT. LONDON. Aug 12. The “Times” states it is reported that some rebels shot a lad of seventeen at Clonmel in a most callous m,fiiner. after they had previously raided the lad’s father’s house, and shot his sister, aged sixteen. As the lad knew of the murder, the rebels arrested and tortured him, until he went mud. They even made him dig his own grave, and then they placed the unfortunate boy in a sack, and riddled him with bullets. CORK REBELS BLOCK HARBOUR LONDON. Aug 12. The Admiralty have received a wireless from Queenstown reporting that some rebels, after the steamer Gorilla had completed unloading, ordered her removal from the wharf, and they sank her in the fairway of Lough Mahon, Nevertheless the fairway is not completely blocked. LONDON Aug 10 The actual position in Cork is obscure Irregulars do not appear to have evacuated the city hitherto, though many buildings, including the military police and barracks are burning. The Nationals are consolidating the position preparatory to completely investing the city. News of the fall is hourly expected. Meanwhile heavy fighting is proceeding. DEATH OF GRIFFITHS. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON. August 12. Griffith has lieen a patient in a, private hospital in Dublin for a fortnight recovering from influenza. He lia? also i been operated upon for tonsilitis. While proceeding to his bathroom in the morning he tainted, but regained consciousness after being put to bed. A priest was summoned but Griffith collapsed again and died ill a few minutes from cerebral haemorrhage. All the cinemas and theatres in Dublin have decided to close until Tuesday. The opening of the Dublin horse show was postponed. OFFICER WOUNDED, (Received this day at 8 a,in,) LONDON, August- 11. Major Neilson, who until the disbandment was the chief intelligence officer of the Royal Irish Constabulary was attacked hv gunmen at Ashburton in Devon and grievously wounded. While in Dublin last week lie received an anonymous] note stating Friday was the anniversary of the death of a man belonging to the Brotherhood whom Neilson had shot in self-defence. Consequently lie must he prepared to die*- He vainly attempted to circumvent his assassins. by visiting country friends, but was shadowed and waylaid in a lonely lane. The assassins weie not seen and have disappeared. LONDON, August 12.

Major Neilson, after being taken to Exeter hospital made a disjointed statement, while semi-conscious that resulted in the circulation of a story that he had been shot by Sinn Fein gunmen. The police are reticent regarding the result of their investigations but it is understood the story is not supported.