THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. IRISH FREE: STATE. LONDON, December 12. Mr Tim Healy addressing the joint assembly of the .Senate, and the Dail Eireann read the King’s message to the Irish Parliament It stated: “With the final enactment of the Constitution as a self-governing Dominion the Free State comes into Wing. It is my earnest hope that, by a faithful observance by all sides, of the Pact concluded, peace and prosperity m Ireland may be secured. In the spirit of that settlement, I have chosen you to he the first representative of the Crown in the Free State. With all my heart, I pray 'that the blessing of God may rest upon you and upon the Ministers of the Free State, in the difficult task committed to your charge.” The King’s message continued: —“A constitution Ims been devised under which the most patriotic, yearning for recreation of the national life, and for the identity of the country in language, thought, literature, and art, for the nation’s progress along secure lines of social and economic development; and for the assurance of happiness and contentment, are offered the utmost free play The Free State has entered into the fullness of partner- - ship, in liberty, with the nation’s cooperation, in co-equal membership of the Great Commonwealth, of Free Peoples.” Unhappily a small number have not bowed to the will of the majority, and have engaged in hostile operations. They have spread ruin broadcast, by an attempt to impose terror and destruction. They have failed in their attempt to upset the Treaty, but they I’ave enhanced, to an incalculable extent, the problem of the unemployed.' Our first care must be to end this disorder speedily.

GOVERNOR -G ENERAL OUTLINES LEGISLATION. Governor-General Healy, in acknowledging the King’s message . says : ■The terms of the King’s message will touch all hearts, while the thought which has inspired it must everywhere evoke the admiration of men of goodwill I humbly join in beseeching the Almighty that the reign of freedom now being established in Ireland will bring with it an early peace and prosperity, as well as a .lasting reconciliation between the British and'"the Irish nations”. Mr Healy said it was the Government’s duty to take steps to constitute a Commission which would determine the ’boundnres between Ulster and the Free State. Legislation would be required for the extension of the franchise; for the establishment of the judicial system, the civil police and for national defence. Provision was necessary for compensation in land purchase and (Other matters, consequently on Ireland’s new constitutional status. LONDON, December 12. Lord Glenavy has been eleoted President of the Irish Senate.