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Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1925, Page 2

Thkrk i.s not a great (leal heard of Irish affairs of late. The entile has subsided quietly on the subject. Not that there is.a. dearth of matter to relate, hut presumably the Free State being a separate unit it is thought the same interest overseas will not he taken in the affairs of Ireland. This is hardly so. In former times during toe struggle for Home Hole, the colonies wore kept well informed in every way possible regarding Ireland, and we are sure that having attained the national freedom desired, the Colonies will be no less interested in the progress of Irish events. As to the progress o affairs in Ireland, a late ealde mes sage from Dublin to “World’s News’’, gives some idea of the course of events, and in the absence of more direct information the cablegram gives an outline view of the present lay situation in Ireland. 'The message says:—An interesting development in the Free State political situation took I lace by the entry into the field of Mr John Dillon, one-time leader of the old Irish party. This was Mr Dillon’s first public political appearance since the debacle of the General Elections in 1918, when Sinn Fein completely overthrew the Irish Parliamentary party. Mr Dillon was the chief speaker at a gathering of old supporters at the National Club, which is a successor to the old United Irish U-ague. He made a strong attack upon the Government. The country was practically bankrupt, ho declared, as a eonsequenc-e of the Government’s extravagance. The people were divided, helpless, and hopeless. and they were in a morass out of which they could not get. He prophesied that things would get worse, and foresaw starvation, poverty and suffering. This, he said was not a glorious i result of all the bloodshed, loss of life, and property of the last few years. The policy of violence had recoiled like a boomerang on these responsible for recent horrors. The Army was a crime and an act of insanity, and cost the nation 20 million pounds. He also declared that British rule was a paradise compared with what they were now getting. It is understood that the supporters of the old Irish party

are to he reorganised, and it is not unlikely that they will he prepared to place candidates in the field at the next General Flection. Meantime, the situation as regards the Free State Government has become more complicated than ever. The Government party have decided on a drastic policy. Should, as they fear, the forthcoming elections to fill nine vacancies in the Dail go against them, they will take a referendum of the whole Free State on the straight issue. Are you, or are you not, in favour of the Treaty? Should a majority vote against the Treaty the Government will resign and place the country in the hands of the Republicans. But should they get a majority they will introduce legislation that will have the effect of nullifying the election of any opponent who does not take the present oath of fidelity to the Free State, the King, and the Empire,

THK local branch of flic Returned Soldiers’ Association is moving again ti wards the provision of club rooms in connection with its Useful alld popular social hall. The movomolit has taken a practical stop. The complete of club rooms would involve considerable expenditure, and in order to keep pace with the times and the funds available, the outlay is to be confined to an amount more readily procurable. TbreO rod ms are to be erected at the outset, alld. they will afford very necessary accommodation in connection with the ball, as well as providing a central meeting place and club .room for the men themselves. The addition < the rooms will add further to the usefulness of the ball, which is available for public purposes, and which is revenue earning towards the upkeep of the local association, ft is good to see this effort to maintain the comradeship of the men on more intimate lines. In a small community such as this there is the lack of op.po tunity for meeting together because of the want of a meeting place. The step's now being taken will remove that want. The rooms will he appreciated bv all who will have tile opportunit to patronise the hall, providing.a more impressive entrance, alld certainly r greater convenience all round. '1 In local branch will require to make i appeal for funds to assist in this effort, luit with the usual ready to-operatior all reasonable demands should he met The project is being Undertaken r quite a reasonable way, athl the expenditure proposed i.t the outset is 01 modest linos which should he easily at taiiied.