IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 July 1920, Page 6

IRELAND.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CONFERENCE Bjr loleeraph.—l'tess Assn.—Copyright. London, July 23. The Daily Chronicle states that Mr. Lloyd George, replying to a deputation from the Trade Union Congress regarding Ireland, expressed willingness to confer any form of government within the Empire which was acceptable to the people as a whole, fie asked what assurance could be given that Dominion Home Rule would be accepted by South-West Ireland, apart from Ulster. The Labor members' version of Mr. Lloyd George's reply to the deputation has caused a sensation in the lobbies. Mr. Thomas states that the Premier was willing to grant Dominion Somij Rule, with' safeguards for Ulster, provided the Trade Union leaders use their influence to arrange a. meeting between Mr. Lloyd George and the Siiin Fein leaders to discuss a truce and details of the new Home Rule Bill.—Aua.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Earis, July 23. Mr. Arthur Griffiths, interviewed, said that the Irish Republican Ministers had already been appointed, but did not disclose their names. He was Home Secretary. He hoped the United' States would shortly recognise tlie Republic. THE BELFAST RIOTS. SERIOUS CASUALTIES. London, July 22. There lias been a serious development in the Belfast riots. A mob invaded a distillery with a view to inciting the workers to strike, and order was only restored after the arrival of a Lewis-gun detachment. Stone-throwing was continuous in the streets, and looting was prevalent. Thousands of windows were smashed, Firing occurred in the shipyards. A crowd armed with picks endeavored to enter, but they were repulsed by troops, suffering several casualties. Three more persons were killed in Belfast in the evening, including a priest. A Dublin communique states that 15 civilians attacked two military officers returning from linnistymen barracks. Shots were fired, killing one and wound"ing several, but the officers were unhurt.

Rioting continues in Belfast. It is the most serious since 1007. ■ At least eight persons have been killed and 70 sent to hospital, though the death roll and casualty list are still incomplete. Disorders continually broke out in new quarters. Several priests pluekily invaded the danger zone and implored the rioters to go home. This, however, had no effect. When the police were badly stoned they made baton charges, but finally soldiers, wearing 9teel helmets and in an armored car with a Lewis-gun, were called out. After repeated warnings they fired over the heads of the crowd. ' The mob fled, but returned to the attack when tlicy found that no one was hurt. file warnings were renewed, and the soldiers then fired into the crowd. Protestant and Catholic shops suffered equally in the looting, which was a serious part of the rioting. Young hooligans swaggered about with whisky bottles in their pockets, and girls were flaunting finery from looted shops. The streets also were littered with broken goods.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.