IRISH AFFAIRS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1923, Page 2

IRISH AFFAIRS.

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION’] MORE OUTRAGES. LONDON, February 12. Doctor Thomas O’Higgins, brother of the Minister of Home Affairs, was shot dead at his home at .Maryborough. O’Higgins admitted the leader of a band of seven armed men on the pretext that they wanted to see a document. The leader rushed outside shouting “Fire!” His companions rushed in and riddled O’Higgins with bullets. The rebels blew up the barracks of the civic guards at Skerries, after the occupants were ordered out. A CORRECTION. LONDON, Feb. 12 The Dr O’Higgins who was shot dead, was the father, not the brother of the Free State Minister. AN ESCAPE WHICH FAILED. (Received this dav at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, Fell. 13. Six women and one man were arrested in sensational circumstances at Limerick. After bribing the gaol sentry to arrange for the escape of thirl'prisoners, tlio men scaled a wall and reached an adjoining cemetery, where women received them and were offer refreshments. The escapees however, proved to be soldiers in mufti, the sentry having reported the attempted bribery to the officers.

BIG SWEEPING MOVEMENT, ißeceived this dav at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, Feb 13

Free State troops with artillery are carrying out large scale operations against rebel positions in Cavan and the Leitrim Mountains, The rebels have heat terrorising and plundering Ballyconnel. Ballimunorc and other towns. The sweeping movement includes special trains, armoured cars and lorries with machine guns and big guns. A big round-up is expected.