WASTING OF IRELAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18341, 6 March 1923, Page 7

WASTING OF IRELAND.

REBEL RUIN IN CORK. , BRIGANDAGE RAMPANT. REVERSION TO SAVAGEDOM. THE CHURCH DIVIDED. By Teiecraph—Press Association — (Received 9.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. LONDON. March 5. The Morning Post publishes the observations of a reliable observer, who is touring Cork County. He declares that Cork is slipping back into savagedom. The city is completely cut off from railway and steamship communication with the outer world. What was the most prosperous part of Southern Ireland is now in a state of siege with brigandage as the chief industry. The people's respect for the Roman Catholic faith is dwindling. The bishops and older priests are Free Staters and other priests are Republicans, so that the Church holds the candle to both sides. Business men lament the good old times when the hated English kept some kind of order, but few dare express their thoughts. Even brother does not dare to talk to brother, fearing that he may belong to the other side. This deathly, sullen silence is the most curious phenomenon. It recalls the atmosphere of the exercise yard of a gaol. The buildings are as gloomy as the people. Many are tumbling into ruin, and no one will spend money or trme in repairing and repainting them. The streets are almost deserted by vehicles and people. The country roads are so cut up by trenches, landmines, and the destruction of bridges that travel is impossible without long detours. Most of the shops in Cork are empty. The chief preoccupation of shopkeepers is to avoid handing over goods to robbers under plea of requisitions. Shopkeepers selling food and other necessities dare not refuse credit, as their shops would be blown up if they did. Nevertheless there is no unemployment; there is room for every loafer in one or other of the rival armies. Knockaby Castle at Louth was destroyed by fire. The damage is estimated at £30,000. Incendiaries were surprised in the building by Free Staters, who took two' prisoners. One man was burned to death. '