IRISH TURMOIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18410, 17 May 1920, Page 8

IRISH TURMOIL.

THE SINN FEINERS. GOVERNMENT ACTION. 87 Telejgaph—Pr«as> Association —Copyright United Service. LONDON, May 14. The “ Evening Nows " says that an official denial is given to the sensational reports from Dublin that General Macready’s plans include the establishment. of 100 blockhouses strongly garrisoned, implying that the virtual re-conqucst of Ireland is intended. The Government, however, has decided to greatly increase military activities in outlying districts, where Sinn Feiners are usurping local authority. GARRISONS REINFORCED. Australian «.nd N.Z. Cable Association. (Received May 16, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 14. Is is reported in Dublin that General Macroadv’a new plans to cope with lawlessness will he based on Lord Kitchener's methods of dealing wi th. guerrilla tactics in the Boer war, including a network of blockhouses, manned by troops equipped with machine-guns. The report is not .confirmed. Perhaps it has arisen through the announcement that the police will be afforded military protection on a wide scale.

General Macready has announced that Cabinet has agreed to largely increase the garrison in Ireland, and these reinforcements are proceeding there immediately.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS DESTROYED LONDON, May 14. A party of armed men surrounded Cashel Courthouse, saturated the building with petrol and set it on lire, completely destroying the premises. The police barracks at Carriehberg have been blown lip The pungarvan post office was raided and official letters were seized (Imperial News Service.) LONDON, May 15. A Dublin Castle bulletin states that fifty Irish police barracks were destroyed on the night of May 12. Over twenty income tax offices were attacked and books and documents seized. Several courthouses were also attacked. Eighteen further police barracks and five income tax offices were destroyed by fire on May 14, explosives being used. The Maynooth town hall was amongst the buildings destroyed on May 14. ALLEGED TAMPERING WITH SOLDIERS. CHARGE BEFORE THE COURT. Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association. LONDON, Mav 16. Tho police raided the offices of the ‘‘Workers’ Dreadnought” in Fleet Street, London, and arrested Burgess, the manager, on a charge of seditious conspiracy in connection with the ArmyOther arrests aro expected. (Received May 17, 12.25 a.m.) Harold Burgess was charged at Bow Street with attempting to cause disaffection amongst the Irish Guards by supplying and attempting to circulate literature, including a pamphlet, “ Soviets for the British.”

Sir A. Bodkin, who prosecuted, said that defendant picked up three guardsmen at an hotel, invited them to dinner, and talked about Bolshevism and a world revolution. Subsequently in the presence of Miss Sylvia Pankhurst he a sited them to distribute literature. OTie ot the men said he could lay hands on lades and machine-guns. Sylvia Pankhurst said that she had trusted friends in Ireland to whom they could he sent. The police found packages on the premises addressed to guardsmen, also a letter from one stating. “ m *»re getting on well. Quite a number of followers.”

Accused was remanded. Bail was refused.

DAYLIGHT SHOOTING. (Received May 17, 1.15 a.m.) LONDON, Mav 15. Nine men fatally shot James Dalton, a clerk, on, leaving an hotel in Cfalrd Street. Limerick, in, davliglit. Dgfton formerly was a prominent Sinn Feinei. He was shot in the hand some wfceks ago, afterwards receiving a warning: • A bullet is awaiting Dalton, the spy.”