IRISH AFFAIRS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3497, 27 May 1920, Page 5

IRISH AFFAIRS.

DEPUTATION TO CHIEP SECRETARY. HOME RULE BILL DISCUSSED. MORE GENEROUS AMENDMENTS WANTED. Received. 5.35. LONDON, May 24. A deputation of responsible people interested in the settlement of the Irish problem interviewed the ActingChief Secretary, Mr. Walter Long, at the House of Commons, and expressed the belief in the Government's good intentions, but asked for generous amendments of the Home Rule Bill by which fundamental unity would be more clearly asserted. The deputation was of opinion that the Irish Parliament should include bi-cameral legislatures for both divisions of Ireland, of which the Upper House of each would constitute a Council of Ireland, invested with wider unreserved powers than were at present provided. It suggested the amount of the Irish contribution to the Imperial Government be left to the Irish legislatures, as in the Dominons. The deputation suggested other alterations by which the status of Ireland would more closely resemble the Dominions. Mr. Long, in replying, showed the Government's task was rendered more difficult through the lack of criticism, owing, to the absenting of the Nationalists and the withdrawal of the Labourites from the House of Commons. Mr. Long, referring to the increase of crime in Ireland, said Englishmen were liable to regard the to Irish opinions as yielding to the forces of outrage. He undertook to submit the deputation's proposals to the Cabinet. MILITARY PROTECTING FARMERS. Received 11.30. LONDON, May 25. A flying column of the Seventh Lancers is employed intercepting cattle drivers in Westmeath, and protecting farmers.