IRISH FREE STATE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 162, 10 June 1929, Page 7

IRISH FREE STATE.

ACTION OF GOVERNOR. ATTITUDE TO NATIONAL ANTHEM. (Australian Press Association.) LONDON, June 8. A piquant position has arisen in the Irish Free State through an official attempt to dispense with the playing of the National Anthem as a greeting to the Governor-General, Mr J. McNeill. Since Mr McNeill’s appointment his aide-de-camp has requested the playing of “The Soldiers’ Song.” A band of ex-Servico men has refused to comply, and the students’ committee has refused to permit the “Soldiers’ Song” at the Trinity College races, despite assurances that the played first. This has not been found acceptable, so Mr McNeill' is not attending the races, despite assurance that the National Anthem is a matter of etiquette throughout the Empire. FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES PROBABLE. PRESIDENT’S DISAPPROVAL. (United Service). Received June 10, 10.30 a.m. LONDON, June 9. The Sunday Chonicle’s Dublin correspondent states that far-reaching consequences are likely to follow Mr McNeil’s action, which President Coygrave strongly disapproves. The President has already transmitted liis opinion to Mr McNeil in emphatic turns, pointing out that although “God Save tho King” might be regarded as a party tune by the Nationalists, this lias no bearing on the case of the Governor-General, who is the King’s representative. SLIGO BY-ELECTION. (Australian Press Association —United Service). Received June 10, 10.0 a.m. LONDON, June 9. The Sligo by-election for the Dail Eireann resulted : —General Sean Mackeoi (formerly the blacksmith of Ballinalee) (Ministerialist) 28,589, Mr Eamon Donnelly (De Valeraite) 24,621..