FANATICAL ACT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 479, 8 October 1928, Page 13

FANATICAL ACT

FIRE ON LASCELLES PROPERTY SHARP PRESS COMMENT (United P.A. — By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) LONDON, Friday. The burning of buildings on the Lascelles estate at Portumn-. has aroused bitter rebukes in the Press of Ireland and England. The ‘‘lrish Times” says: “Princess Mary’s informal visit to Southern Ireland before she goes north is an act of faith in Southern goodwill and courtesy. We might have supposed that not even the most hliterate fanatic could put a political aspect on the visit. Yet what othe motive for the Portumna fire can be conceived?” The “Morning Post” says the fire at Portumna came only after a bitter attack against Viscount Lascelle and Princess Mary in the Republican Press, but the Princess, <vith characteristic courage, was not prevented from visiting her husband’s Irish home. It is announced that Princess Mary and Lord Lascelles, on their arrival in Dublin this morning, will motor to the Vice-Regal lodge, where they will be the guests of the Gove.nor-General i and Mrs. Mac Neill until they proceed to Portumna by motor. The original arrangement was not ;to stay in Dublin, but to proceed i direct by train from the ooat. Great interest has been aroused by j the visit of a member . f the Royal j Family to the Free Jtate. There is | some Republican criticism, but there is every reason to believe that Prini cess Mary is assured of a welcome.