IRISH DISTURBANCES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 342, 9 March 1922, Page 5

IRISH DISTURBANCES.

GUNMEN IN BELFAST. SNIPERS IN THE STREETS. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, March 7. Gunmen engaged in hcrce activities in Belfast throughout the. day, early establishing themselves behind chimneys, roofs and wind'AVs in the Garrick Hill'locality, Irom which they fired at shipyard employees proceeding to work. Five of these were killed, including two hoys, during tho forenoon. Early in the allernoon the situation became worse. Snipers descended into the si reef*, which were in some, eases made impassable. A detachment ol the Norfolk Rcgime.nl, stationed in Hanover street, was compelled to open fire, killing two snipers and wounding a. third. The gunmen hurled a. bomb into a military patrol, wounding a, soldier. Later machine-guns were used amiinsi the, gunmen, who temporarily ceased their activities, which, however, wore resumed in the evening. Many civilians vvete then wounded. A bomb Wits flung into a restaurant', but there were, no casualties.— A. and N.Z. cable.

INVASION OF LIMERICK, ASSUMING SERIOUS ASPECT, LONDON, March 7, The itvasimt of Limerick is assuming a most serious aspect. No collision has occurred yet, but the citizens are apprehensive. The Republicans, under Commandant Barry, are well armed and have been recruited chiefly in Cork and Ti piperary. They now occupy several large hotels and the wing of the mental asylum. Commandant Barry slates that the coup was undertaken for the purpose of proclaiming tin independent Irish republic. Meanwhile, the headquarters of the Irish Republican Army are devising means to end fht‘ revolt. Ton companies have left Dublin for a secret destination, which is believed to be Limerick, and more troops are expected to follow.—A. and N.Z. cable. NEW POLICE FORCE TRAINING. LONDON. March 7. The new Irish National Police Force tbeing formed and is in training at the Royal Dublin Society’s showground. This will, form tin- nucleus ot a force numbering several thousands io replace the libit constabulary and Dublin police. Recruits art 1 being drawn from the Republican army and ex-members of the constabulary who resigned during the recent troubles. It is stilted I hat. the force will in no .sense be a political one.—A. and N.Z. cable. ARRIVAL OF MORE TROOPS'. Received March 9, 9.10 tun. LONDON. March 8. A thousand Irish Republican Army troops have arrived in Limerick, and they considerably outnumber the armed Republicans, who are holding several buildings.—A. and N.Z. cable.