DAY OF TERROR.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 March 1922, Page 5

DAY OF TERROR.

WARFARE IN BELFAST. GUNMEN KILL CIVILIANS. TROOPS TAKE A HAND. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright, Received March 8, 9.10 p.m. London, March 8. Gunmen were engaged in fierce activities in Belfast throughout the day, early establishing themselves on chimneys, roofs and in windows in the Carrick Hill locality, from which they fired at shipyard employees proceeding to work. Five were killed, including two boys. During the forenoon and early in the afternoon the situation became worse. Later the snipers descended into the streets, which were in some cases made impassable. A detachment of the Norfolk Regiment stationed in Hanover Street was compelled to open fire, killing two snipers and wounding a third. The gunmen hurled a bomb into a military patrol, wounding a soldier. Later machine guns were used against the gunmen, who temporarily ceased their activities, which, however, were resumed in fhe evening, and many civilians were wounded. A bomb was flung into a restaurant, but there were no casualties. A new Irish national police force is being formed and is training on the Royal Dublin Society’s show ground. This will form the nucleus of a force numbering several thousands to replace the Irish constabulary and the Dublin police. Recruits are being drawn from the republican army and ex-members of the constabulary who resigned during the recent trouble. It is stated the force will in no sense be political.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. London, March 7. Further shooting occurred in Belfast during the night and morning. A woman and man were shot dead. A factory in Library Street was set on fire and damage done to the extent of several hundred pounds.

INVASION OF LIMERICK. CITIZENS APPREHENSIVE. Received March. 8, 5.5 p.m. London, March 7. The invasion of Limerick is assuming a most serious aspect. No collision has occurred yet, but the citizens are apprehensive. The republicans under Commandant Barry are well armed and have been recruited chiefly in Cork and Tipperary. They now occupy several large hotels and a wing of a mental asylum. Commandant Barry states the coup was undertaken for the purpose of proclaiming an independent Irish republic. Meanwhile the headquarters of . the Irish republican army are devising means to end the revolt. Ten companies left Dublin for a secret destination, believed to be Limerick, and more troops are expected to follow. London, March 7. Limerick is now occupied by three forces —British troops, who have still not evacuated the town, Free State troops, and Republicans. The British troops are confined to barracks and police stations, while armed Republican invaders are patrolling the street and have occupied the technical schools. The town is now quiet, but the tension is acute. Ten companies of the Free State Army have left Dublin, and it is believed are going to Limerick.