TENSION IN IRELAND

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11170, 28 March 1922, Page 5

TENSION IN IRELAND

BLOODSHED CONTINUES FURTHER SNIPING REPORTED IN BELFAST. NUMEROUS FATALITIES. By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, (deceived March 27, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 27. Sniping was continued in Belfast till a late hour. There were many casualties, including a woman, who was wounded while in her shop in _ Albert street. Crown forces appeared in armed cars and fired heavily, killing two and wounding others. LONDON, March 26. There was further shooting in Belfast this morning. Margaret Savage wa6 killed by a bullet which came through a window of her residence. An exsoldier was found murdered in the street. A Presbyterian sehoolhouse in Raphael street, Belfast, was blown up, and the premises 4 of a large produce merchant were destroyed by fire. Two bridges at Carrickmore were blown up. A Loyalist named Scott, while feeding cattle on the Caledon-Aughnacloy sector of the frontier, was killed by snippers. THE NTMAHON MURDER CIVILISED WORLD HORRORSTRICKEN. Published In "The Tlmee. - LONDON, March! 26. “The Times,” in a leader, states: “We are appalled at the awful murder of a Roman Catholic family in Belfast. The civilised world recoils hor-ror-stricken before the lengthening tale of barbarous outrages which have disgraced Ireland, north and south alike, during the last three years.”

ON ULSTER FRONT SITUATION FULL OF PERIL, SANGUINARY OUTBREAK FEARED. LONDON, March 26. Correspondents describe the situation on the Ulster frontier as full of peril, which only prompt action can avert. The "Observer’s” correspondent, who is touring in the danger zones, telegraphs that animosities were never so keen. Unless something ia done a) sanguinary outbreak is inevitable. . Active military preparations ore going on along the northern frontier. Bridges are blown up, and reads blocked, and troops are drilling, owing to a belief, which the correspondent thinks is unjustified, that the Southern Irish Republican army is secretly massing troops at some distance from the border for another extensive raid. FROM BAD TO WORSE LONDON, March 25. Some well-informed quarters are hinting that Mr Lloyd George is hurrying beck to London because he is keenly desirous of attempting the role Of mediator between the North and South of Ireland. Unfortunately these optimistic assumptions must he read in conjunction with the precarious Irish situation, which seems .to 'be hastening from bad to worse.

INVITATION TO LONDON

SIR JAMES CRAIG CONSIDERING. LONDON, March 26. Irish events have thrust the political crisis to the background. The Northern Cabinet has . been summoned to discuss -the invitation to London on Monday. Meanwhile, Sir James Craig has 'telegraphed to Mr Churchill an assurance that earnest consideration will be given to Downing Street’s hopes for a successful outcome of the new conference, based on the Government’s firm determination to avert the terrible shadow of civil war, together with the Premier’s opportune reoovory and return. The “Observer’s” Belfast correspondent thinks the Northern Cabinet is certain” to accept the London invitation, and that it is sincerely: anxious to restore peace. CHALLENGE TO 0E VALERA TO DECLARE HIS PIOSITOIL (Received March 27, 6.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 27. Mr Michael Collins, speaking at Waterford challenged Mr Do Valera to declare his position. Mr De Valera must publicly repudiate the utterances of Messrs Burgess and Stack and Commandant O’Connor. Sir James Craig and his Northerners will not consider entering the Free State while the latter is divided internally. If Mr De Valera can unito the country, accept the treaty, and work for the Free State Mr Collins will gladly stand aside.

PROHIBITION DEFIED I.R.A. CONVENTION ASSEMBLES. LONDON, March 26. The Irish Republican Army Convention assembled at the Dublin Mansion House, in defiance of the Dail Cabinet’s prohibition. Two hundred delegates from the commands in revolt attended. Tbo utmost secrecy was observed. The Convention confirmed its allegiance to the Republic, and decided to boycott Belfast drastically. WAR ON ORANGEMEN DUBLIN HEADQUARTERS SEIZED. LONDON, March 26. Forty men, identified as workmen, expelled from Belfast, seized the Orango headquarters, a large building in Parnell square, Dublin, and ejected the occupants. NORTHERN FINANCE BRITISH GOVERNMENT VOTE. Reuter’s Telasram. LONDON, March 25. The Estimates for “unclassified services” in 1922-23 show a decrease of £83,000,000 compared with the pro-

vious year, but there is an increase of £3,441,000 regarding Ireland. This heading includes a grant of £1,000,000 to the North Irish Exchequer towards the abnormal expenses of the North Irish Government arising otu of the present exceptional circumstances, and also £75,000 to the North Irish Government, being half the amount to be paid in settlement of all the North. Irish claims on tho Imperial Gorernir.ent for ifompeneation in respect of loss of life and property owinjt to the disturbances in Ireland. The vote also includes nearly £2,000,C00 as compensation for criminal injuries to employees and supporters of the Crown.