IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1919, Page 5

IRELAND.

SINN FEIN PRISONERS. | STONED BY THE CROWD. 1 Received Jan. 1, 12.50 p.m. London, Dec. 30. Sinn Fein prisoners at Belfast prison demonstrated' on Friday on the roof, from whence they were driven by stones thrown by the crowds in the street. The latter partially wrecked, the interior fittings. A strong force of troops with machine-guns on Sunday restored order. —Aiis. N.Z. Cable Assoc. There was an extraordinary situation at Belfast Prison on Monday, the Sinn Feiners breaking the staircases, erecting barricades, and isolating themselves in one wing. They claim to possess several days' provisions. They are creating an uproar and singing, cheering, and playing tin whistles. They hung out a banner constructed of bes-covers. They ripped the slates from the roof of a large block of buildings, i and tore up the flooring. A military detachment is encamped before the prison.—Aus. Cable Assoc.

IRISH SECRETARY INTERVIEWED. COMING SIX MONTHS WILL ..DECIDE SETTLEMENT. j,. Received Jan. 1, 7.45 p.m. New York,' Dec. ST. The United Press' correspondent in London interviewed Mr. Edward Shortt (Irish Secretary), who said: "The coming six months will, decide whether the Irish question will be settled peacefully or bloodily- I don't consider that the large Sinn Fein vote in the recent elections shows a demand for separation from England. I believe that from 60 to 70 per cent, of the Sinn Feiners can be presuaded to accept Home Rule." The New York World's London correspondent says it is expecte'd that Irish emigration to the United States will ii i crease greatly after the passport regi f, lations have been withdrawn, and it i believed that Irish emigrants will exceed 1 pre-war numbers—United Service. I

COUNTRYSIDE STRIKE. WILT, FOLLOW UNLESS SINN FEINERS RELEASED. Received Jan. 2, 12.30 a.m. London, Dee. 31. The Dublin correspondent states that the Sinn Feiners admit the magnitude of their victory is embaurassmg; and imposes undivided for creating a policy The majority of the new members are youthful, obscure, and inexperienced in affairs. It is stated that if the Government refuses to release the Sinn Feiner prisoners a countryside strike will follow, dislocating all industries.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc. . "