CAUSE OF EXPLOSION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11252, 3 July 1922, Page 7

CAUSE OF EXPLOSION

MINE DELIBERATELY EXPLODED. ACTS OF TREACHERY. (Received July 2, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. July 1. The explosion in the Four Courts was reported to be due to the fact that while the Free State troops were passing an empty room in the Record Office ono of them accidentally kicked a mine fuse. Official: A Free State bulletin states that the leader of the irregulars admitted that the Four Courts mine was deliberately exploded. He expressed surprise that the casualties were not greater. The total Free State casualties were: Three killed and five officers and twenty others wounded. The irregulars shot dead a man wearing a distinctive badge of the first aid detachment and another who was driving all ambulance. In consequence of three and other acts of treachery, as well as the looting of certain premises by persons wearing the garb of Red Cross workers, nil such were shot on sight. LONDON, June 30. Several mines were fouud inside and outside tho building, after a big assault. which occurred during a heavy rainiattinn.

MANY CASUALTIES.

(Received Julv 2. 11.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 1. Mr Winst-on Churchill, in the House of Commons, stated that the explosion at the Four Courts was caused by tie ■springing of a mine laid by insurgents under part of the building which bad been occupied by Free Staters. Thirty of the latter were killed or injured by the explosion.