NEW IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 January 1922, Page 5

NEW IRELAND.

'CHANGE OF AUTHORITY. BRITISH CONTROL PASSES. GOVERNMENT INSTALLED. REMOVAL OF TROOPS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright, Received Jan. 17, 5.5 p.m. London, Jan. 16. The British Publicity Department at Dublin Castle issued a statement announcing that in the Council Chamber the Lord Lieutenant received Mr. Collins as head of the Provisional Government. Mr. Collins handed him a copy of the treaty, and the other members of the Government were then introduced to the Lord Lieutenant. The Lord Lieutenant congratulated Mr. Collins and his colleagues, and informed them they were now duly installed as a Provisional Government, and that in conformity with the treaty he would forthwith communicate with the British Government in order that the necessary steps could be taksn to transfer to the Provisional Government all the powers and machinery requisite to the discharge of its duties. He wished them every success in the task they had undertaken, and expressed the earnest hope that under their auspices an ideal, happy, free and prosperous Ireland would be attained. Mr. Duggan and Mr. Higgins (members of the Dail Eireann Cabinet) are coming to London to-morrow to confer with the British Cabinet Committee to arrange details regarding the handing over of control in Ireland.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. London, Jan. 16. The departments at Dublin Castle were formally handed over to the provisional Government by Viscount FitzAlan on behalf of the King in the Privy Council to-day. Excited crowds numbering thousands assembled to witness the outward signs of what was termed “The fall of the Castle.” They beguiled the tedium of waiting for the arrival of Ministers by watching the mounting of the guard for the last time. Then the crowd burst into frantic cheers when the Ministers drove up in ears and entered the Castle, led by Mr. Collins. A historic scene was enacted within, when Mr. Collins handed Viscount Fitz Alan a copy of the Treaty bearing the signatures of himself and his colleagues. Viscount Fitz Alan informed the Irish that they were duly installed and wished them every success. He earnestly hoped the ideal of a happy, free, and prosperous Ireland would be attained under their auspices. There were animated scenes at Dublin Castle and in the adjoining streets during the ceremony. The transferring powers of the Castle, members of the Provisional Government, together with the Lord-Lieutenant, met at the Mansion House in the afternoon. The proceedings lasted an hour. After the departure of the permanent officials Mr. Collins and the other Ministers left the Chamber and drove off, cheered by crowds. The LordLieutenant also received an ovation.

The authorities are hastening the removal of troops. It was officially announced that ten infantry battalions are leaving immediately and will be followed by others as rapidly as possible. The evacuation of South Ireland will commence immediately. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

MESSAGE FROM THE KING. GRATIFIED AT THE CHANGE. Received Jan. 17, 7.20 p.m. London ,Jan. 17. The King telegraphed to the Viceroy: “I am gratified to hear of the successful establishment of a Provisional Government in Ireland. I am confident you will do all in your power to help its members to accomplish the tasks lying before them.” The Provisional Government has issued a proclamation directing the Law Courts and State Departments to carry on their functions pending the constitution of the Free State Parliament. The proclamation prohibits any alteration in the personnel or the salaries of the civil service, or the destruction of any documents. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.