IRISH AFFAIRS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3624, 10 November 1920, Page 5

IRISH AFFAIRS.

IRISH GOVERNMENT BILL. IMPORTANT NEW CLAUSE. \ LONDON, Nov. 9. An important new clause has been added to the Irish Government Bill in order to prevent either the north or the south making the new scheme a farce. The Bill provides that if the number of members returned for the northern or southern house, or the number taking the oath of allegiance, is less than half of number composing such house, the Crown may dissolve it or transfer its powers to the Viceroy assisted by a committee nominated by the Crown. Mr. Asquith said the contingency contemplated would certainly arise in southern Ireland, which would then be reduced to the status of a Crown colony. Sir Edward Carson did not oppose the clause, but said it would be better to give the South the choice of the present system of Government or a now Parliament. Mr. Bonar Law declared that it was no good beating about the bush. The only alternative was to tell the South that it could have everything it liked. Sir Donald McLean stated that the clause was an admission that the Bill ■was already dead. The clause was carried by 137 to 11.