THE IRISH CRISIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 April 1920, Page 5

THE IRISH CRISIS.

153 BARRACKS DESTROYED. REPORT OP MASSACRE DENIED. By Telegraph.—Press A33lL—Copyright. Received April 6, 5.5 p.m. London, April 6. Dublin Castle emphatically denies American reports of a massacre in Ireland, and states 153 vacated barracks were destroyed, entailing a heavy burden to the taxpayers. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. EX-SOLDIER MALTREATED. DAYLIGHT RAID IN DUBLINReceived April 6, 5.5 p.m. London, April 5. A number of masked men on Sunday night savagely maltreated with sticks an ex-soldier employed as a lodgekeeper at the Summerhill Nunnery, at Athlone, and then tied him to a tree. The victim bit through the rope and crawled home. He is in a serious condition. Three men were arrested in the raid which was made on the barracks at Donegal. One raider was killed. Four motor lorries and armored cars raided a small refreshment room in the centre of Dublin in the afternoon. Seven were arrested. A crowd gathered a.id sang rebel songs. The rebels fired a few allots in the air, but there were no casualties. —Aus.-N Z. Cable Assn.

NEW POLICY OF TERRORISM. CUSTOM HOUSES DESTROYED. London, April 5. Scarcely a Custom Houpe between Dublin and Cork intact. The work of destruction was mainly carried out by mines and bombs. The damage is estimated at several millions. There were few casualties. The details are meagre owing to impaired communication. The main cables to England and Scotland were cut, and there is a general stoppage of telegraphs between Dublin and the north of Ireland. Dublin, April 4.

The flres are believed to be a new development of policy directed towards making Ireland ungovernable .by England. It is also thought to be a symbolical protest against the reservation regarding income-tax, customs and excise under the Home Rule scheme.

The Press think Sir Hamar Greenwood's appointment means other drastic departmental changes, fresh brains and new methods, but there is no confirmation of the report' that Lord French's resignation is imminent. The Nationalist Press dismisses Mr. Lan Macpherson with a blast of abuse. His successor is reported to be a strong, sensible man,' impatient of red tape. The Clonmel Hospital authorities have decided not to admit any British soldier patient and they will urge other hospitals to act similarly. London, April 5.

Sunday night passed quietly in Belfast. Reports from country districts relate burning of police Wracks. Six were destroyed in l«itrim and one blown up. S Everything was quiet in Dublin and jjjelfast on Monday, which was a citizens' holiday. Fully 80 attacks! were made on official premises during the week end. Received Anril 6, 5.5 p.m. Washington, April 5. Two women picketing the British Embassy, and advocating free3om for Ireland, were arrested.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.