IRISH GOVERNOR.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 28, 2 February 1928, Page 7

IRISH GOVERNOR.

Mr. McNeill Takes Oath With Little Ceremony. NO " INCIDENTS." (British Official Wireless.) (Received 1 p.m.) RUGBY, February 1. Mr. James McNeill, who succeeds Mr. Tim Healy as Governor-General of the Irish Free State, took the oath of office to-day in the Dublin Parliament. Afterwards, accompanied by Mrs. McNeill, he drove to the Vice-Regal lodge.

Before and behind his car were mounted Free State troops, with rifles, while at each side rode an officer in a British uniform, with drawn sword.

Though the new Governor-General was guarded by troops, and the streets were patrolled and kept clear, these precautions were in striking contrast with the elaborate measures taken when Mr. Healy took office upon the founding of the Irish Free State. On that occasion ilr. Healy was literally almost surrounded with fixed bavonets.

The "Evening Standard" says: "A shadow of anxiety hung over Dublin wheu Mr. McNeill was installed. Armed guards were in close attendance, but despite earlier fears the ceremony was carried out without a hitch. It was a sombre affair, entirely devoid of decorations. The Chief Justice administered the oath to Mr. McNeill, who then placed a wreath on the Griffiths and Collins Memorial. The large crowd was not allowed inside the rails opposite the side road, but the two-mile route to the viceregal lodge was lined with people.— (A. and N.Z. and Sydney "Sun.")