IRELAND.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16724, 27 April 1920, Page 3

IRELAND.

ATTITUDE OF TH*E CHURCH. A CORRESPONDENT’S OPINION. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received April 27, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, April 26. The Dublin correspondent of the Manchester Guardian insists that, despite appearances, the church stands between the Government and Irish anarchy. It is unquestionable that the majority of bishops aud priests constantly 7 risk their popularity by counselling patience and observance of the laws. The Government ought to put greater value on clerical co-oporation and therefore abandon the provocative Education Bill.—United Service. MORE HUNGER-STRIKING. IN ENGLISH PRISON. LONDON, April 25. One hundred and fifty Irish prisoners in Wormwood Scrubs prison demand their release. *’ The majority have been hunger-striking since Wednesday. One has already been released and sent- to a nursing homo owing to heart trouble, and others are reported to be reaching a state of collapse. Members of the Irish Self-DeterHiim ation League of Great Britain decided to repeat tho scenes outside Mount Joy Prison at Wormwood Scrubs. Seven thousand sympathisers representing 18 branches, assembled with throe bands of Irish pipers carrying Republican flags. A priest recited tUe Rosary in Irish. The crowd cheered when handkerchiefs were waved from windows, which were answered by cheers from inside.

Later, flames were seen inside the prison ■ and it was rumoured that __ the Sinn Feiners were setting fire to their blankets.

Every head in the crowd was uncovered when the Irish pipers played '‘God Save Ireland.” The prisoners inside joined in singing ‘‘The Wearing of the Green.”’ There were no disorders.

The Sunday Times says Sinn Fein now controls about 200,000-_ fighters. They believe increasing guerilla warfare will wear down tho Governmentresistance. The success of the Irish Executive’s experiment of a milder regime is doubtful, as the rebel movement is beyond the control of the moro moderate Sinn Feiners, or even the Church. The Belfast correspondent of the Observer says that owing to agrarian terrorism 100 southern and western farmers are seeking farms in north Ireland. Many others are going to England. It is alleged some farmers are relinquishing their properties under threats of death. „ A large party of armed men at Innishannon (Cork) ambushed three constables on patrol duty. They tired a volley without warning, shooting Sergeant Groan in tho heart, and blowing off part of Constable M'Goldrick’s head. The third constable' escaped.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.