IRISH AFFAIRS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3334, 6 February 1918, Page 36

IRISH AFFAIRS.

The Press Bureau reports: At the thirty6ixtri meeting of ttie i.risn Convention, bir Horace Plunkett (cnairman) read a letter from tiio Prime Minister stating that belore a hnal decision by the convention on certain issues ho and Jtiis colleagues would bo happy to confer with leading representatives. ' The convention adjourueu, and selected member's to meet the- Cabmct. It is generally believed the Government will make a great effort to arrive at a settlement of the Homo Kulo question. Sir Edward Carson's resignation from the Cabinot was in order to relieve the Government of some embarrassment in dealing with the matter, and also to be himself unfettered in any now situation that may arise. A report, which was published to the effect that President Wilson was urging the British Government to give concessions to the Irish, has been contradicted by tho United States officials. Sir Edward Carson received a great ovation on arrival at Belfast. Addressing the Ulster Council, he protested against tne attempt to create tho atmosphere that Ulster was unreasonable. "i'-'t he said that if a settlement meant Ulster's surrender, then there would bo no settlement. The Washington Evening Post "states that Sir Frederick E. Smith (Attorney-general) has been recalled to England because of his tactless comments in Canada on the Irish Convention. ; • '■••- ; „■' The Sinn Fein have distributed leaflets at the church doors stating that Ireland has decided to petition tho nations of the world in favour of independence. It is stated that the Sinn Feiners will take a plebiscite of the people of Ireland over 18 years old on the question of Irish independence. Twenty disguised men raided two houses near Galway, held up the occupants at revolver point, and took from them two shotguns, a duck gun, a rifle, and a bag of ammunition. Thay declared that they wanted these for the next rising. Throe Irish newspapers have been barred from the use of the mails.