PROBLEM OF IRELAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17140, 21 April 1919, Page 5

PROBLEM OF IRELAND.

SELF-GOVERNMENT URGED.

RIGHTS OF THE PROVINCES.

SIR H. PLUNKETT'S VIEWS.

Australian and N.Z. Gable Association. (Rocd. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 19,

Sir Horace Plunkett, who was chairman of the Irish Convention in 1917-18, in a letter, says that years ago the Irish Parliament could have been established with all powers granted by the Act, together with reasonable safeguards for Ulster. The further powers demanded could have been postponed until after the war, but to-day the offer of restricted self-government was useless. Ireland must be given the status of a self-governing Dominion within which there would be full sdope for provincial rights. SECURING LAW AND ORDER. COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. April 19. In the House of Lords, Lord Birkenhead, the Lord Chancellor, moving the second reading of the Criminal Injuries in Ireland Bill, securing compensation for constables and other law officers injured, and for the dependants of those killed during the execution of their duty, said that when South Tipperary was proclaimed a military area the Sinn Fein issued a counter-proclamation declaring that constables found within the area would be deemed to have forfeited their lives, as would all persons in England's pay or assisting England. Orders to the Irish volunteers, together with the record of crime, showed that a determined effort was in progress with a view to making the government of Ireland impossible. • Therefore steps were necessary to protect, with England's whole force, those responsible ; for the maintenance of law and j order, who, if they fell, should receive sufficient compensation. The Bill was read the second time. APPEAL TO ME. WILSON. NON-COMMITTAL REPLY. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Rccd. 5.5 p.m.) PARIS. April 19. Mr. Woodrow Wilson received Mr. Walsh, an American delegate, who arrived to urge that Ireland's case be heard by the conference or the League of Nations. It is believed Mr. Wilson made a non-committal reply. He pointed out the tremendous importance of making peace with Germany before all other issues. Irish-American delegates visited Colonel House, confidential adviser to Mr. Woodrow Wilson, with the object of securing Home Rule before I the conference.

STRIKE OF TRANSPORT MEN

FOOD SITUATION SERIOUS. A. and N.Z. LONDON. April 18.

A strike of railwaymen and all other transport workers was brought to a standstill at Limerick. Unrest threatens to spread throughout South Ireland. The strikers aver their intention to force the issue with the authorities over questions of the martial law order prohibiting travelling. No bread was baked and no milk sold. Provision dealers are closing, and the food situation is serious. Gas and electric workers joined the strikers, and candles are the only means of household lighting.