THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1923, Page 3

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

177STn\lJA>i AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION,

MR COSGROVE INTERVIEWED. I Received this dav at S.HO a.m.) LOXDOX, Feb. Id Mr Cosgrove, interviewed by the "Daily Mail,” elaborating . the .statement that if Do Valera is ready to advise his followers to surrender their arms conditionally on the question of Free State- or Republic being submitted to the electors, said : "The new franchise lists will be ready next dune or July. We shall then lie more than willing to let the question be fought out on the system of proportional representation. Re Valera would not win a seat in any part of Ireland. 11 is following is actually very small. There is no place in Ireland where he can hold tip Ids head and address a meeting. We have abundant evidence that the Irregulars are tired. The country wants to settle down. We have had a communication front the Irregulars in the West, declaring they do not recognise De Valera as President of the Republic. During the past two months there lias been frequent overtures from the rebels, but Government stood firm for the surrender of arms, and flte recognition of the Treaty. Government is getting more troops than required, and is perfectly satisfied the military situation in the country is becoming more normal. The relati.inbetween the Government and Labour is amicable, pat tieiilarlv as regards unemployment and housing questions.”

RAIDS ON SINN FFIXER?. (Received this dav itl S.!lil a.in.) LONDON. Feb. 12 The police at llell’ast have made several raids on Sinn Fein quarters. It is reported they have secured plans for the destruction of various public buildings. Four arrests have been made. CARDINAL I.DOCK'S COMMKNT. .Received this dav at !l..'l() a.in.) LONDON. Fch. 12. Cardinal Logttc, in a Lenten Pastoral, which he states will probably be his last, says:—"A plague of bloodshed, destruction, pillage, rapine and robbery has invaded part of this diocese with a virulence which leaves in the shade even the most outrageous excesses of the lllaek and Tans. The countty is not likely to emerge for centuries from the depths ol ruin and devastation to which it has been reduced. The people at. the present are inarticulate and terrorised into silence. REBEL INCENDIARISM. LONDON. Kcbiiiarv Id.

The Republicans have replied to General Mideshy's amnesty proclamation with a series of outrages. Four mansions in 'Tipperary have been humcil, including that of .Major IVruy, the .Master of the Clonmel Harriers. The damage totals Tied,(K.O. The Republicans announced that not only the houses of the Dai I Eireatm members ami senators will la burned, but also houses ol their relatives, illeluding their eo'Mihv a’uTTt* and relatives by m'tritig®. Rebels at (ToninH fired on people leaving Mass. ,\ civilian was killed. Ninety-eight of the rebels at Clonmel, aho were taken prisoner, have however, asked for parole for four of their number with a view to discussing peace.