SNIPING EXTENDING

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

SNIPING EXTENDING

COMMUNISTS CO-OPERATE WITH IRREGULARS. REPUBLICANS URGED TO RALLY, (Received June 29, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 28. Although the fighting was mainly confined to the Four Courts area, snip*, ing is extending afield. The Independent Workers of the World and other Communists, who have a hall behind Fowler Hall, are co-operating with tUe irregulars, and have fortified their hall. An urgent message has been issued to the Republican forces to rally to the defence of their various positions. Mr Do Valera declines to make a statement regarding the situation. The rebels set fire to Fowler Hall before evacuating the building. It is re. ported that a priest was shot dead. The gates at the main entrance ta Four Courtr. are now blown down, and the walls of the main building are badly smashed by artillery, more of which has been brought into Action. “OUR BOYS ARE GLORIOUS.” The rebels, on erecuating Fowlet Hall, retreated to Moran’s Hotel, and barricaded themselves in. The affected area has thus been extended, and sniping is general throughout the city, through which the rebels seem to bo scattered. Rory O’Connor sent the following message-.—“We received the Government’s demand for our surrender by 4 a.iu.j when they would attack witfc rifles, machine-guns and field-pieces. Our boys are glorious, and will fight for the Republic to the end. How long will our misguided former comrades outside attack those who stand for Ireland alone? We have three slight casualties so far. Fathers Albert and Dominic are with us. Our love to all our comrades outside, and to the brave boys of the Dublin Brigade. ,, SEVERAL AMEUSHES. There were several ambushce of Fre*. State troops while passing through tbe streets in open lorries. Mon in civilian clothes waited at the corners with 11 ties and bandoliers, and these fired whenever they got a chance. One lorry carrying wounded was fired on when it arrived at tho hospital. None of tho

occupants were hit. A civilian, however. wa« shot dead. A lorry carryini; Free State officers was ainhiicshod, l>o:nhed, and smashed in Leo-on street. AH tic occupant.'* were badly wounded, and two arc unlikely to recover. FLEE STATE TROOPS REINFORCED. Af the day wore on, the Free Stato troops wore reinforced, and more held guns wore brought. Ten lorry loads of troops came from Gormanstown. It is believed that several hundred irregulars arc trying to to Dublin to reinforce Rory O’Connor. t The roads are guarded, and ail stations are being watched.