DUBLIN CLASH

Taranaki Daily News, 30 June 1922, Page 5

DUBLIN CLASH

FIERCE SETTLE. FIGHTING ALT, DAY. WARNING TO REBELS. 'ANSWER TO CHALLENGE. By Telegraph.—Press Ann.—Copyright. Received June 29, 5.5 p.m. London, Jane 28. The Provisional Government has issued a statement dealing with the action taken to protect and secure the Irish people against further molestation or interference with their liberty. It says: “Against the direct challenge to its authority the Government has ordered the army to take action.” Mr. Churchill, in the House of Commons. said the attack on the four courts in Dublin in no way arose oat of the Irish debate, or in consequence of the Imperial Government's declaration. It arose as a result of the further action of Rory O'Connor and the insurgents. The Provisional Government’s manifesto declares that on Saturday laat two Dublin firms received demands in the name of the leader of the irregular forces to pay certain moneys by Tuesday. Forty-eight hours later the Government received news of a raid by the same forces on a motor garage, and arrested the culprits. Then came the kidnapping of O’Connell. The manifesto concludes: “None but Irish forces, with the co-operation of the citizens, are engaged in putting down the disorderly elements, who are attempting to tvrannise the people and defy their ▼ill. In connection with the four courts fighting, a big gun was in action every fifteen minutes. The death roll at two. o’clock was estimated at fifteen, and the number of wounded is not known. Many have been injured at far distant spots through stray bullets. The artillery fired at two hundred yards range.' using high explosive to reduce the risk of fire, as the courts contain priceless legal documents. The residents in the battle area have been removed, but many are huddled in the basements of tenement houses terrified by the noise of the battle. Mr. Collins sent an ultimatum to O’Connor giving him an hour in which to irurrender O’Connell, who was kidnapped as a hostage. The first shot was fired by rebels at Free State armored ears, and this signalled the beginning of hostilities. NEW POINTS OCCUPIED. EXTENSION OF DANGER ZONE. CIVILIANS IN PERIL. Received June 29, 5.5 p.m. London, June 28. A motor-car from Kildare with four rebels ran into the zone of action and opened fire on the Free Staters, who replied, fatally wounding one. There are great fears for the safety of civilians living in the four courts area, as the stronghold is known to contain a large quantity of gelignite, which shells may explode at any -moment. Irregulars from Fowler Hall occupied the Hughes Hotel in Lower Gardner Street, creating another danger zone in the heart of the city. Free State troops occupy the roof of the Bank of Ireland, while the National Bank, commanding one of the entrances to Parnell Square, has been seized, but whether by Free Staters or rebels is unknown. The latter, however, have occupied the Clarence Hotel, opposite the four courts.—-Aus.-N-Z. Cable Assn. CROWDS WATCH ACTION. OFFICER SEIZED AS HOSTAGE. THE FIGHT RAGES. London, June ’27. Major-General O’Connell. Assistant Chief of Staff at Beggar's Bush, Dublin, has been kidnapped by those in possession of the Four Courts and held as hostage for the release of Hender*on. The attack opened at 4 o'clock in the morning. The din of the firing awakened the populace. Thousands, risking flying bullets, hastened to occupy vantage points to watch the fight. The first victim among the Government troops was Private Long, who was shot in Chancery Street. One onlooker was killed by a stray bullet. The intensity of the firing varied during the early hours, but increased in violence at nine o’clock. Red Cross ambulances are stationed near the Castle gates in readiness for their grim work. The rattle of fire from machine-guns is occasionally punctuated by the heavy concussion of high explosives. The Free State troops at the outset were about 800 strong. They are using at least one twelve-pounder mounted on an armoured car. General Ennis is commander of the investing forces. Mr. Churchill, in the House of Commons, said the Provisional Government was solely responsible for the operations now proceeding in Dublin. They had declined all assistance from the Imperial forces, except so far as equipment was concerned. There was no trustworthy information in regard to casualties. No definite result had yet been achieved. Heavy fighting was progressing. REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE. The fight at Four Courts was raging throughout the morning. A fire broke out in Fowler Hall shortly after noon. Snipers are firing from the roofs, but it is difficult to ascertain to which side they belong. Hundreds of spectators line the quays and streets adjacent to j tiie affected area, and business is suspended. Passengers arriving by trains are carefully searched by troops at the various termini. Free State reinforcements are arriving in the city steadily. During the fighting forces of British troops in full k kit passed through the city uneoncernkedly on their way to their camp at k*hoenix Park. A ARTILLERY IN POSITION. State troops have sent an ultito those occupying the Four giving a time limit of an hour, have been placed in

position and the Free Staters occupy all surrounding buildings. The militry took control of telegraphs and telephones in Southern Ireland early this morning. There was intense excitement when 1000 Free State troops attacked the Four Courts and the Fowler Memorial Home. The Irregulars, expecting an attack, had dug trenches across the quays. Ambulances are dashing in all directions. The neighborhood iff cut off and civilians are not permitted to pass the cordon