LATER DETAILS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11250, 30 June 1922, Page 5

LATER DETAILS

OTHER DANGER ZONES IN HEART OF CITY. MANY RESIDENTS TERRIFIED. (Received June 29. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, June 23. A motor-ear from Kildare, with four rebels, ran into the zone of action and opened fire on the Free Staters, who replied, fatally wounding one. There were great fears for the safety of civilians living in the Four Courts area

as the stronghold is known to contain a huge quantity of gelignite, which shells may explode at any moment. Irregulars from Fowler Hall occupied the Hughes Hotel in Lower Gardner street, creating another danger zone in the heart of the city. Free State troops occupy tho roof of the Bank of Ireland, while the National Bank, commanding one of the entrances to Parnell Square, has been seized, but whether by Free Staters or rebels is unknown. Tho latter, however, occupied the Clarence Hotel, opposite the Four Courts. In connection with the Four Courts fighting, a big gun was in action every fifteen minutes. The death roll at 2 o’clock was estimated at fifteen, and the number of wounded is not known. Many have been injured at far distant spots through stray bullets. The artillery fired at two hundred yards’ range, using high explosive to reduce the risk of fire, as the Courts contain priceless legal documents. Residents in the battle area have been removed, bnt many are huddled in the basements of tenement houses terrified by the noise of battle. Mr Michael Collins sent an uhte. atuin to Rory O’ Connor giving him ■ hour in which to surrender General O’Connell, who was kidnapped aa a hostage. The first shot was fired by the rebels at the Free State armoured cars. This signalled the beginning of hostilities. FREE STATERS ACCEPT CHALLENGE. The Provisional Government has issued a statement dealing with the action taken to protect and secure the Irish people against further molestation or interference with their liberty. It says: “Against a direct challenge to its anthority, the Government ordered the army to take action.” Mr Churchill, in the House of Commons, said that the attack on tbe Four Courts in no way arose ont of the Irish debate or in consequence of Imperial Government declarations. It arose as the result of further action of Ror* O’Connor and the insurgents. RELEASE OF O’CONNELL DEMANDED. The Provisional Government’s manifesto declares that, on Saturday last, two Dublin firms received demands in the name of the leader of tbe irregular forces to pay certain moneys by Tuesday. Forty-eight hours later the Gov. eminent received news of a raid by the same forces on a motor garage, and arrested the culprits. Then came the kidnapping of General O’Oonnell. The manifesto concludes: “None bnt the Irish forces, with the co-operation of citizens, are engaged in putting down the disorderly elements, who are ats tempting to tyrannise the people and defy their will.”