THE CORK FIRES.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1920, Page 5

THE CORK FIRES.

LABOR COMMISSION BLAMES THE CROWN FORCES. * Received Dec. IT, 8.55 p.m. London, Dec. 17. The Labor Commission, after inquiries, report that the Crown forees set fire to the Cork buildings.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Ajisb. POLICE AMBUSHED. Received Dec. 17, 9.15 p.m. London, Dec. 17. Sinn Feiners ambushed eight police at Kilcommon, killed four and severely wounded one.—Aus. and N.JZ. Cable Assn. EXCOMMUNICATION THREAT. fROFOUNDLY AFFECTS SITUATION. London, Dec. 15. /he Dublin correspondent of the Times states that Bishop Colahan's decree threatening to excommunicate all taking part in ambushes, kidnapping and murder, has startled the country. The vast importance of the issue is recognised. It is expected the Catholic hierarchy will recognise the necessity for a clear definition of its attitude with regard to spiritual and political norality towards the Republicans, which sranot fail to affect profoundly the whole character of the aituation. The Labor Party's calling off the railivay strike is a bright apot in the situation. The strike was a complete failure and did not embarass the military, but dislocated trade in three-fourths of' Ireland, and did immense harm to the I cattle industry. One good effect was | that it sobered the extremist* in West and South Ireland, causing a recognition of the possibility of a political settlement. The Cork correspondent of the Times states that the Cork Chamber of Commerce has written to Sir Hamar Greenwood expressing astonishment at his statement in the House of Commons regarding tjje destruction at Cork, and demanding a personal investigation on the spot, promising incontrovertible evidence. They demand that the Govirnment make good the damage done.