CONDITIONS IN IRELAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21273, 29 August 1932, Page 9

CONDITIONS IN IRELAND

DISPUTE WITH BRITAIN MR. THOMAS' PEACE TALKS TRIP FROM OTTAWA USED BITTER SPIRIT IN FREE STATE By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright (Received August 28, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 27 In an interview on the Empress of Britain, which arrived at Southampton with the British delegation to the Ottawa Conference yesterday, Mr. J. H. Thomas, Dominions Secretary, said that under the guise of card parties he had been talking with the Irish delegates every day. " I had hoped that my proposals would have resulted in a settlement there," said Mr. Thomas, " but I am quite sure they cleared the ground, and that our discussions have done good. I certainly did not shut the door to any avenue of peace." In regard to Ireland there is a possibility that Parliament will be summoned before October 27. The Prime Minister, Mr. Mac Donald, and Mr. Thomas are to fly to Balmoral on Monday to report to His Majesty. A message from Dublin states that Mr. de Valera and his colleagues, mystified by Mr. Thomas' statements, remain silent. Mr. de Valera's organ discourages optimism. The results of the annual sheep sales in County Meath were only about oneseventh of the minimum receipts in former years. The Irish Associated Railways have given notice of a reduction in wages. A banner at a " Boycott of British Goods " meeting in Dublin bore the inscription : "Burn Everything British except coal." The Free State Government is establishing a bureau to receive complaints of excessive prices for food, clothing and fuel. Lord Beaverbrook is touring Ireland. He will visit Belfast and Dublin.