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Hokitika Guardian, 17 August 1932, Page 4

The situation in the Irish Free State grows worse confounded. Even . certain members of the Dial may not speak in public excepting under armed protection. The; cable message this week said that “financial uncertainty, 'political uneasiness, commercial .stagnation anj agricultural depre c r, : or '/sums up the situation in the Free State whence the flight of capital has already begun as a result of de Valera’s policy.” And de Vnlera while the country is thus seething in doubt and uncertainty as to what is to happen, imitates a former semi-potentate and takes a holiday 1 The l .Dial is adjourned untiL.October, and matters are to take thelp course. Incidentally they are shaping rather ominously. The rival parties in the . State are arming, and a serious conflict might come to paGS at any moment, Mr de Valera has evidently gone, that far now that the Republican element is more bent than ever on the full severance from Great Britain, and to them the Issue of the annuities does not count. jVTr de Valera began by seeking to abolish the oath of allegiance to the King. a simple expression of loyalty to the; Imperial head. Then came the repudiation of the annuities which are collected only by Britain for the bond holders, and to-whom to assist Ireland. in her days of former extremity, Britain generously.; guaranteed payment of principle and Inter, est. It would appear that there is a’ very considerable'and certainly aggressive party in the Free State bent on severing connection with the Empire. It is clear from what is being stated in the cable news that such a step is courting financial and national disaster. The trade and commerce of the country till recently so satisfactory, is dislocated and the farmers face lmin. The present Government holds office! by the grace of the Labour representatives, and it would appear that faction favours the policy of cutting the painter. The developments indicate how far an extreme policy will go and it? dire effects when sponsored by fanatical irresponsibjes. The Free State must be hastening to a climax in its destiny, and th'e only hope is that the country will yet save itself—for all advice, from outside is now ignored,