IRISH AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 August 1923, Page 2

IRISH AFFAIRS

DE VALERA’S ARREST. CAUSED A SENSATION. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, August IC. Air Do A'alera was about to address an open air meeting at Innis, when some one called out “Soldiers are coming.” Immediately a large body of military surrounded tho platform and tired several volleys into the air. Do Valera threw himself on the platform. A number of women in tho crowd fainted and several persons were crushed and injured in the panic. Tho crowd immediately stampeded and quickly dispersed, leaving those on tho platform in the hands of tho military. Do A'alera, when he arrived on tho platform was enthusiastically welcomed by fifteen hundred people. After tho n'rst volley it was supposed Do A’alera was wounded. A number of civilians who 1 ingoted near the platform were driven away at the bayonet point. Tho military, with a number of plain clothes constables marched De A r a.lera away. The less fearful of t-lic crowd returned and endeavoured to shako hands with hint, but- the guards pushed them back. De Valera reached Clare yesterday and during the preceding twenty-four hours troops searched vehicles approaching Ennis from the surrounding districts.

The news created a sensation in Ireland, for none imaginod De A alera would now he arrested.

FURTHER RARTICUIARS. LONDON, August- 15. Shortly after Air De Valera began bis speech, consternation was caused among the crowd by the appearance of a detachment of Free State troops with armoured cars. The troops surrounded the platform and the crowd shouted up to De A alera, who made a gesture towards the military, afterwards collapsing on the platform which was crowded with troops who fired in the air. A panic ensued, the crowd believing that De A’alera- was shot, but ho rose and walked down tile street and surrendered to the troops, who departed. Afterwards it- transpired that five wc-ro injured during the stampede. GOVERNMENT’S EXPLANATION. LONDON, Aug. 15. The arrest of Air De A’alera at Ennis, Comity Clare, was unexpected, as a Free State Alinister earlier had publicly stated that Air De A’alera would not be arrested if he took part in tho election campaign. Afterwards, however, the contrary was rumoured. The meeting was widely advertised, but Air De A’alera's entry into County Clare was kept secret. He arrived in an open car, being accompanied by a priest. The Free Stale Government’s announcement of the arrest contains the text of Mr De A'.alera’s manifestos, and points to his share of responsibility for the happenings in Ireland since the treaty was signed. It concludes:— “lie now tries to shelter behind the political campaign, hut he must take his place beside Ins associates and dupes, until all can lie released without injury to public safety." CONSEQFEXCES OF ARREST. LONDON, Aug. lb. Regarding Air De A'alera, the “Daily Telegraph's" Dublin correspondent states :—“His arrest will probably secure Air De A'alera a seat in tho Dail Eircnlin. which he will never he allowed to occupy, but in other parts of tho country, it will do milch to restore tho prestige of tho Government, and will materially improve their chances at the general election.”

‘‘The Irish Republican headquarters to-night decided to nominate a large number of candidates throughout the country.”