IRISH CRISIS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12084, 23 June 1920, Page 5

IRISH CRISIS.

STRANGE RAILWAY DEADLOCK ‘ CKCKWr'* DRIVERS REFUSE TO *’JARBY 5 ARMED GUARD. Unied Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, June 31 A strange railway deadlock occurred at Oloughjordan. County Tipperary. Twenty soldiers and armed police boarded a train from Dublin as an escort, but the drivers refused to continue until the escort quitted the train which was holding up several following trains. BURNED TO DEATH. London, June 33 Two charred bodies wore found in the debris of the courthouse at Drumcoliogber, in County Limerick, which was burned last night. . BIG STRIKE UNAVOIDABLE. fsstzssz It is feared an Irish railway strike is now unavoidable, but it is not likely to be prolonged, as the strikers’ funds are small. There will be a serious shortage of food in towns, and, unemployment will be general, FIGHTING IN LONDONDERRY. Fierce rioting was resumed in Londonderry this afternoon. Postmen and cabmen left the streets and thousands of factory girls fled terrified along the streets unable to return to work. Shops and banks remain closed. Hoilday-makers returning from the seaside are stranded, not daring to venture into the thoroughfares, where bullets are flying. All workers on the quays are idled owing to reckless shooting. The Irish Volunteers from the north are mebilieing with a view of inarching on Londonderry

AN ATROCIOUS CRIME. Received June 23, 10 a.m London, June 22 An atrocious crime was committed during Monday’s fighting at Londonderry. A party of armed men seized and bound McKay, a young soldier who served in France. He had arrived on a holiday visit and was nrocoeding to hia father’s house on the outskirts of me town when a Sin a Feiner shot McKay dead. His body was placed on a passing hearse and the driver was ordered to convey it to hia father’s residence. OTHER VIOLENT ATTACKS,. Sinn Feiners at Glenharan ambushed a party of soldiers, wounding three and taking prisoner several others. They declare that they will hold their prisoners as hostages, and exchange them for sis Sinn Feiners captured last week. A party of armed men concealed behind railway piers at Bsresford Place, Dublin, fired upon a motor car containing Roberts, assistant In-spector-General of the Irish Constabulary, and three constables. Two bombs were also thrown into the car, which drove into safety and the occupants returned, the fire. Roberts was shot in the head and the driver through both legs, but it is believed that neither is in a dangerous condition. Shooting was renewed in Londonderry early this morning, three men being shot, two seriously. Sniping continues at the waterside TROOPS USE BALL CARTRIDGES.

Received June 23, noon Loudon, June 22

At Londonderry large bodies of Sinn Feiners intercepted unionist shipyard workers who were mercilessly beaten. A number of prominent unionists were also wounded by bullets when walking the streets. The situation became go serious that troops dispersed the Sinn Feiners with a volley of ball cartridges, causing the Sinn Feiners to fly, but the latter concentrated later on in another quarter and organised fresh attacks on unionists. Masked parties of unionists carrying rifles and fixed bayonets took possession of Carlisle Square, thus covering ingress to and egress from Londonderry. Lying on the ground they kept up rapid rifle fire into Bridge Street where the Nationalists replied from strategic points with revolvers and service rifles. Troops and an armoured car were hurried to the scene, but were unable .to prevent rioting breaking out in other places. The rioters dashing into the side streets, eluded the troops. The situation resembles civil war. It is difficult to estimate the casualties, bat they are numerous. t