IN IRELAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 January 1921, Page 2

IN IRELAND.

BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT,

AUSTRALIAN AND N. i. . CABLE ASSOCIATION

GOVERNMENT PLANS

LONDON, January 7

There are signs that the Govern merit will be enabled to execute a plan in the summer for the Southern Parliament iu Ireland, despite the present prospect of Sinn Fein attempting to defeat the step by abstaining front participating in the elections.

An influential section of constitutional Nationalists, headed by Alderman McWalter, the High Sheriff of Dublin, is preparing to select candidates when the writs arrive.

This action will embarrass and may alter the attitude of the Sinn Feiners, who are likely to hesitate before stirring up civil war, by fighting a Parliament composed of fellow countrymen.

Importance is attached to the unexpected departure of Lord French to London from Dublin, whither he returned only a couple of days ago. NORTH OF IRELAND PARLIAMENT LONDON, January 8. The Northern Parliament in Ireland will be established as soon as the machinery is completed, probably in three months. The Unionists are expected to have a majority. Colonel Sir James Craig will be the Prime Minister, but Sir Edward Carsou has decide not to accept office. Sir L. M. Pollock will be Chancellor of the Exchequer and Mi- Dennis Henry First Chief Justice. The elections are also being prepared for in the south of Ireland, and it is hoped that the scheme will be acceptable. Sir Edward Carson has been invited to Belfast to receive the thanks of the Ulster Unionists. A great farewell tour has been arranged.

ARCHBISHOP CLUNE LEAVES FOR ROME. LONDON, January 7. Archbishop Clune who lias been endeavouring to bridge the gulf, has gone to Paris on his way to Romo. military--tactics. LONDON; January 7. The latest tactics of the military include endeavours to round up the Republican army by surrounding Roman Catholic Churches during service, and netting the whole congregation. Lorries filled with soldiers drive up and post sentries at the doors, the women are then permitted to leave while the men are searched and questioned whether they are members of the Republican army. If so they are arrested. ,

POLITICAL SITUATION IMPROVING.

LONDON, January 7

The ‘‘Daily Chronicle” asserts that the political situation in Ireland is improving. The Home Rifle Act controls the situation and the Dail Eireann secs that the only method of amending the act in financial directions is to accept the Act and hold a conference between the Dail Eireann and the Cabinet. This is,being arranged and will take place in. London shortly. ALLEGED MURDERER APPREHENDED. LONDON, January 7. Patrick Killon, of Athlone, was arrested on suspicion "of murdering James Blngriffe, an ex-soldier, whose body was found riddled with bullets and lal>ellod “spy,” after his capture by armed masked men. * EVENTS. MOVING RAPIDLY. LONDON, January 7: The “Daily Express” states events .in Ireland are moving rapidly. De Valera was present at a meeting of the Dail Eireann, but found his leadership challenged on the ground that he was too moderate.

There is evidence that Sinn Fein is seriously divided. The Government is making no attempt to arrest dp Valera, on the contrary, they are willing to meet the Sinn Fein leaders if thoy do not ask for a Republic which would imperil the strategic unity of the United Kingdom. HART GUILTY, BUT INSANE. LONDON, January 7. Police Sergeant Hart was court martiallcd for the murder of Canon Magner, was found guilty, but declared to be insane. MILITARY PARTY AMBUSHED. LONDON, January 7. A military party was ambushed while proceeding to the relief of the Ardmoure police barracks on which the Republicans delivered night attacks. One soldier was wounded, but + he ambushers were dispersed, leaving 3 dead.

HOW HE VALERA REACHED IRELAND. NEW YORK, January 7. According to Sinn Fein representatives here Mr do Valera was conveyed to Ireland on board a private yacht from which a sea plane , took him off 20 miles from-the Irish coast, landing him on Mutton Island, County Clare, on December 29th. It is stated that do - Valera narrowly escaped capture when a British patrol boat halted the yacht, but the cap- ' tain was able to convince the questioner that the yacht was making a pleasure trip.

HELP FOR SINN FETN. NEW YORK, January 5. The New York “Tribune’s” Philadelphia correspondent states that five companies of Irish volunteers, uniformed in similar garb to the Republicans in Ireland have been organised declaring their willingness to fight for Irish freedom. It is stated that the volunteers are leaving for Ireland singly or in small groups through round about channels.