IRISH PROBLEM.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 858, 9 November 1916, Page 14

IRISH PROBLEM.

DISCIPLINE OF POLICE. PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE. Bj/ Cable.—rPress Association. — Copyripkr, Australian and S 7, Cattle Association. LONDON, November 7. In the House of Commons, during j the second reading debate on the Irish Constabulary Police Bill, dealing with their pay and pensions, Mr John Dillon warned Mr H. E. Duke, Secretary for Ireland, that if any man was charged with insubordination or victimised it would have a far-reaching effect. Mr Duke said he hoped that the trouble in Dublin was nearly over. An amendment was moved to the effect that the House declined to proceed with the Bill owing to the lack of discipline of a section of the Dublin police. He understood that 400 men had joined the Hibernian Society contrary to their oath not to join any secret society except the Freemasons. The amendment lapsed. Mr Duke said that he declined to believe that a large body of the Dublin men had broken their oath. If it was true then those who were responsible must be called to account for it. Regarding the Freemasons, he regretted that the oath against a secret society was qualified in any way. The Bill was put through the Committee stage.