IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 June 1916, Page 5

IRELAND.

A FORECAST, PARTIAL HOME RULE PROBABLE. London, May 31. The Glasgow Herald asserts that a basis of an Irish settlement has been reached. The leaders have agreed to an Irish Parliament, excluding the whole or greater part of Ulster. ATTENTION DEMANDED, Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, May 31. The Manchester Guardian hopes that the war interest will not distract public opinion from Ireland, because the question is likely to profoundly influence the fortunes of the war. The Sinn Feiners rebelled in order to distract Britain. If the question is unwisely handled the rebellion may not have been as mad or futile as it seemed. THE ROYAL COMMISSION. LORD WIMBORiNE'S EVIDENCE.. . London, May 31. Lord Wimborne, recalled before Lord Hardinge's Commission, said he signed all documents on the Chief Secretary's advice. He was not officially consulted respecting their character, regarding himself rather as a figure-head. TBe Commission has adjourned until further notice. INQUIRIES NOT COMPLETED. MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S ANNOUNCEMENT DELAYED. Received June 1, 5.5 p.m. ; London, May 31. There is no confirmation of the Glasgow Herald's assertion, though the general feeling is most hopeful. The Press Bureau announces that Mr. Lloyd George is not making his announcement to-morrow of the result of his negotiations with the Irish leaders, as at the present stage it would be premature. Mr. Lloyd George has not completed his inquiries, which are proceeding as rapidly as possible. USE OF THE VOLUNTEERS. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received June 1, 5.20 p.m. London, May 31. In the House of Lords, replying to Lord Oharnwood, Lord Kitchener paid tributes to the gallantry and behaviour of the volunteer corps at Dublin and their useful work elsewhere. He said that they might prove highly useful in a case of emergency. MR. BIRRELL'S OPINION. » .. A GRAVE FAULT SOMEWHERE. Received June 1, 5.5 p.m. London, May 31. General Sir John French wrote to Lord Hardinge, saying that he felt that the condition of Ireland was unsatisfactory. He interviewed Mr. Birrell early in February. Mr. Birrell seemed not to be afraid of the Sinn Feiners, but feared dynamiting. Sir John French consequently believed that it was unnecessary to reinforce the Irish garrison, but held troops in readiness in England. Mr. Birrell, when interviewed on 23rd March, did not indicate that his opinion had changed, tout only urged the despatch of troops to assist recruiting, hut Sir John French could not spare them for that purpose.