SIGNS OF. REVOLT.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1922, Page 5

SIGNS OF. REVOLT.

IRISH REBELS ACTIVE. FEAR OF A RISING. WARFARE IN DUBLIN. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received April 18, 5.5 p.m. London, April 17. The rival sections of the Irish Republican Army are converting Dublin into a battlefield, sniping, machine-gunning, and patrolling in armed cars. Rebels determinedly, but unsuccessfully attacked Beggar’s Busn, the official and impregnable I.R.A. stronghold. The attackers surrounded the barracks, opening fire on al] sides. Free Staters, mounted in armoured cars, counter-at-tacked the rebels, who were dispersed. Afterwards they attacked transport sections, and were again repulsed. The indications are be. ?ved to point to a rebel plan to seize all strategetical points in Dublin, preparatory to a revolutionary campaign ' throughout the country. The plans are even believed to include the seizure of Dublin Castle, which is still in British occupation. Rebels are pouring into the four courts from all parts of Dublin county.—Aus.* N.Z. Cable Assn.

MR. COLLINS ATTACKED. ATTEMPT TO KIDNAP. AN EXCHANGE OF SHOTS. London. April 17. A Dublin official message states that Mr. Michael Collins and party were attacked and fired at in Parnell Square. The fire was returned and one assailant captured with a revolver pouch in his possession. The Beggars Bush barracks were attacked during the night unsuccessfully. Mr. Collins and his party occupied four cars, and were returning at midnight from a meeting at Naas, when they were stopped in Parnell Square. About 20 men rushed out from a neighboring house in the Square, which the rebels occupied as offices and rushed towards the cars, opening fire. Mr. Collins, who was walking across the Square, fired on the attackers from the rear. One man fired at Mr. Collins several times at close quarters without hitting him. Mr. Collins chased and captured a prisoner, who said he was acting under orders, but was astonished when Mr. Collins revealed his identity. Mr. Collins believes that the attackers were ordered to kidnap and not to kill him. The General commanding the rebel forces in possession of the Law Courts denies that there was a plot to kidnap Mr. Collins. He states that Mr. Collins’ party drew up outside the rebel offices and opened fire first. Received April 18, 5.5 p.m. London, April 17. The attempted assassination of Mr. Collins originated with O’Connor’s party, which is more extreme than the De Valeraites, from whom they have broken off and become a law unto themselves. The incident has caused consternation among De Valera-ites, who fear it will divert support from De Valera. ROBBERIES IN BELFAST. London, April 17. Twenty-six armed robberies from small shops occurred in Belfast during the week-end.