THE IRISH TROUBLES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 37, 9 March 1922, Page 5

THE IRISH TROUBLES.

STREET FIGHTS IN BELFAST.

SAVAGE SNIPING DUELS. ARMED FORCES IN LIMERICK. NEW IRISH POLICE FORCE. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Qopj-rlglit.) LONDON, March 8. Gunmen engaged in fierce activities in Belfast throughout yesterday. At an early hour they established themselves in chimneys, on roofs, and at windows in the Carrick Hill locality, whence they fired at shipyard workers proceeding to work. Five workers were killed, including two boys, during the forenoon and early afternoon.

The situation became worse later, when the snipers descended to the streets, which, in some cases, were made impassable. A detachment of Norfolks stationed in Hanover Street was compelled to open fire, and killed two snipers and wounded a third.

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 iti the evening. Many civilians were wounded. A bomb was flung into a restaurant, but there were rto casualties. THE LIMERICK SITUATION. The invasion of Limerick ia assuming a very serious aspect. There has been no collision yet, but citizens are apprehensive. The republicans under Commandant Barry are well armed. They have been recruited chiefly from Cork and Tipperary, and now occupy several large hotels and a wing of the Mental Asylum. Barry states that the coup has been undertaken for the purpose of proclaiming an independent Irish republic. Meanwhile the headquarters of the Irish Free State army are devising means to end the revolt. Ten companies left Dublin for a secret destination, which is believed to be Limerick. More troops are expected to follow.

A thousand I.R.A. troops have arrived in Limerick, and they considerably outnumber the armed republicans, who are holding several buildings. TO REPLACE THE R.I.C. A new Irish national police force is being formed and recruits are going- training on the Royal Dublin Society's showgrounds. They will form the nucleus of a force that will number several thousands to replace the Royal Irish Constabulary. The Dublin police recruits have been drawn from the Republican army and ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who resigned during the recent troubles. It is stated that the force will be in no sense political.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.) FREE STATE BILL. THROUGH THE COMMONS. (Received 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 8. In the House of Commons the Irish Free State Bill read the third time and passed by 295 votes to 52.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.)