IRISH RULE.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 November 1920, Page 5

IRISH RULE.

IMPORTANT CHANCE IN BILL. ii \ ■ TO COUNTER OPPOSITION. ' , V _— ./ By f»l»gr*ph.—Press Ajsn—CopyrigM. Received Nov. 9, 8.55 p.m. 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 force, 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 the number composing such House, the Crown may dissolve it or transfer the 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 he said it would Ee better to give the South the choice of the present system of Government or a new Parliament. Mr. Bonar Law declared it was no good beating about the bush. The only i alternative was to tell the South it could have everything it liked. Sir Donald Mac Lean (Liberal) stated that the clause was an admission that the Bill was already dead. The clause was carried by 137 votes to 11.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SEARCH FOR THE ENEMY. REPUBLICAN FORCE REPORTED. Received Nov. 0, 8.55 p.m. London, Nov. 9. Several hundred soldiers' with full kit scoured the hills at Kealfcill for a reported strong force of Republican troops, and an aeroplane assisted in the fruitless search. The Republicans had apparently been warned—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DERRY THE STORM CENTRE. London, Nov. 8. Londonderry was the storm centre in Ireland during the week-end. Five police were wounded, and rival mobs were busy.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CRITICAL POSITION OF RAILWAYS. London, Nov. 8. The Irish railway companies state that the position is becoming critical. Dismissals include drivers and firemen. Th/ traffic is gradually being brought to a standstill. The Midland will probablv cease in a few days.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FUNDS FOR SINN FEIN ARMS. London, Nov. S. feinn Feiners iu Cork have circulated householders announcing a house-to-house collection for funds to continue arming volunteers.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.