IRELAND

Southland Times, Issue 19656, 5 October 1922, Page 5

IRELAND

THE CONSTITUTION DAIL MAKING GOOD PROGRESS (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright). . (Reuter’s Telegrams-) LONDON, October 3. (Received October 4, 7.45 p.m.) The Irish Provisional Parliament by a large majority adopted a motion accepting the article of the constitution embodying the oath of loyalty. The rapid and smooth progress which has so far been made warrants the belief that the full constitution based on the treaty will be passed in time for submission to the British Parliament during (he autumn session. During the discussion of the constitutional oath, Mr Gavan Duffy moved an amendment deleting the provision that the oath must lie taken by every member. He admitted that as he signed the treaty himself he was morally bound to take the oath, but he desired exemption for others. If the oath were deleted 90 per cent, of the opposition to the treaty disappeared. Mr Higgots pointed out that repubLicans in South Africa and elsewhere in the Empire took an identical oath. Mr Duggan said that any quibbling about the oath meant tearing up the treaty’. The Labour members opposed the amendment, w’hich was defeated, as was also one moved by Mr Johnson, the Labour leader, requiring the King and his representative to swear allegiance to the Free State and undertake in all matters affecting the Free State to act on the advice of the Executive Council. FIERCE FIGHTING AT MEATH. TEN IRREGULARS KILLED. (Australian and TLZ. Cable Association.) LONDON, October 3. Irregulars attacked the Free State garrison at Meath. Fierce fighting resulted in which ten were killed. The irregulars retreated. Mr Collins died intestate. The value of his estate is £1950. AMNESTY TO REBELS. A FREE STATE OFFER. LONDON, October 3. (Received October 4, 5.5 p.m.). The Free State Government has offered an xmconditional amnesty to all offenders surrendering arms before October 15.