STRUGGLE IN IRELAND.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15871, 10 July 1922, Page 3

STRUGGLE IN IRELAND.

FREE STATERS' ENCIRCLING

MOVEMENT

(Elcc. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association ) LONDON, July 7.

Two thousand Nationalist troops, after the Ultimatum demanding surrender, attacked Skegghouse, the irregulars' stronghold, near Londonderry, with heavy rifle and machine gun fin;. The fight is continuing. The Republicans are in possession of military police barracks at Waterford City, where goods and provisions are being seized and cars commissioned. Hotel-keepers are compelled to provide accommodation for the Republicans gratis. Tlie Daily Chronicle's Dublin correspondent states that Free State troops openly desire campaigns against the rebels outside Dublin city. They are rounding up small bands in the remote districts which have been conducting looting raids. The Free State encircling movement is well organised, and already is meeting with success, despite many difficulties where places are mined and trenched.

REVOLT PRACTICALLY QUELLED

DE VALERA IN HIDIN<

DEVASTATED AREAS WILL REQUIRE FOUR YFARS TO REBUILD.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.! » (Received Julv 10, 8.5 a.m.) LONDON, July 8.

Irish official reports indicate that the Nationalist forces have, practically quelled the revolt. Thousands of prisoners were taken during the week, and all prominent irregular leaders except De Valera have been rounded up. Do Valera escaped from the Gresham hotel when a. Nationalist attack was imminent, and is. stated to bo sheltering in an ecclesiastical institution. Nationalist troops routed the irregulars at, Skeoghhouso after six . hours' fighting, taking 60 prisoners, mostly Londonderry men, who for the past couple of months had plundered, trains and loyalists' shops, giving the loot, including furs and lihery, to their womenfolk.

Considerable looting was also done at Blessington, where Nationalist troops captured the rebel stronghold, taking over 100 prisoners. The rebel garrison at Ferns surrendered, and Drogheda is now completely controlld by Nationalist troops. Dublin architects estimate that it will take lour years to re-build tho devastated areas, exclusive of Four Courts. The casualties of the National forces in the Four Courts and Sackville street lighting is officially stated to be 16 killed and 122 wounded. MOKE PRISONERS CAPTURED. EXTENSIVE FIRE DAMAGE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received Julv 10, 9.50 a.m.) ' LONDON, July 9. Tho rebels evacuated Eimiscorthy and the Nationals occupied it after slight trouble with snipers. Fifty prisoners were/captured at Wexford.

Irregulars arrested in the Skigghouse affair and imprisoned in Lctterkermy Courthouse wrecked the building and escaped. The- Carnegie, library building was set on fire. Nationalist troops removed prisoners in the building and extinguished the fire. Extensive damage was done.